Diogo Dalot launches passionate Cristiano Ronaldo defence amid fierce backlash | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has rallied to Cristiano Ronaldo’s defence amid growing calls for the Portugal captain to be dropped from the national side.

Civil war

Ronaldo has come under heavy criticism following his poor performance in Portugal’s World Cup opener against DR Congo. He led the line and struggled as Congo held him and his teammates to a 1-1 draw.

The United icon had a night to forget, spurning a string of big chances that ended up hurting Portugal. Thierry Henry wasn’t holding back either, slamming him for being selfish and robbing Bruno Fernandes of a goal. Other media figures and supporters have similarly suggested that he is now a detriment to the national side.

Matters have been worsened by a fringe of Ronaldo’s radical fans, who have bizarrely targeted his teammates and their partners online, convinced of a conspiracy to undermine him on the pitch.

Fernandes and PSG midfielder Joao Neves are among those who have suffered this inexcusable and frankly shameful treatment. And if things weren’t already messy enough, Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro waded into the debate on social media, seemingly accusing his fellow Portugal internationals of deliberately trying to sabotage him.

Portuguese journalist Vitor Pinto has warned that the situation is very delicate and could sink into a full-blown civil war, pitting Ronaldo against others in the squad. Pinto was quick to shut down the sabotage talk, though he did concede that there are signs of friction behind the scenes.

But Dalot insists that the Selecao remain unbothered, together and fully focused on their World Cup campaign. Dalot defended Ronaldo while insisting that they were prepared for the criticism that has been directed at them.

Dalot defends Ronaldo

Dalot told the media, “It’s very simple. In the locker room, at our stadium, we had the opportunity before arriving at the World Cup to have a detailed conversation about this [social media and criticism].”

“It was almost as if we’d anticipated that this would happen. Of course, when you have a squad like this especially with a player like Cristiano we have to be prepared, a little more than usual.”

“The fact that we had that pre-World Cup conversation to prepare ourselves for these moments meant that when it actually happened, we were able to send the message that the group is unshakable — we knew this was going to happen.”

“We knew we’d face difficulties and criticism … Sometimes unfair, sometimes untrue, and often blown out of proportion.”

Dalot said of Ronaldo, “Everyone already knows how well Cristiano handles criticism. He has over 20 years of experience with the national team. I think what he conveys to the team, that confidence, those criticisms are just part of the game, especially given the level at which we’re capable of playing, being in one of the biggest, if not the biggest, competitions in the world.”

“The confidence he instills in us, and we in him, has always been the same and always will be. As long as he represents the national team, I think he’ll always have that ability and will always be ready to play.”

Portugal are next in action on Tuesday when they face Uzbekistan, in a crucial Group K clash.

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