Portugal coach Fernando Santos has said star an Cristiano Ronaldo played through the pain in his side’s 1-0 win over Albania and is not concerned by the barren streak he is going through.
The 30-year-old Real Madrid forward has now gone four games without a goal for club and country this season and missed a sitter in Portugal’s narrow win over Albania.
But speaking to journalists afterwards, Santos revealed his captain is playing through the pain barrier but will return to form soon.
“He’s a player who scores 50 goals a season, so it’s not surprising that it causes some anxiety when he goes a few games without a goal. He showed a fantastic, sacrificial spirit because he was experiencing some pain but gave everything in the game. The goals will come,” he commented.
And he added: “Sometimes anxiety plays its part in stopping goals being scored, but he’s just saving himself up for the right time.”
Portugal need one more win to ensure their place at the Euros in France next year and Santos said he has told his players to treat next month’s qualifier against Denmark as a final.
“We have to face Denmark like it’s a final. Victory is always important. We took an important step, but still nothing is decided. We played well against a good Albania team, but the team always believed and we ended up being happy.”
