Roberto Martínez on Cristiano Ronaldo substitution
by Filiberto: Roberto Martínez
Roberto Martínez said it made no sense to take off the greatest scorer in history (Cristiano Ronaldo) when his team was searching for goals.
Transcript (en)
We could just see how passionate Cristiano was about his contribution as a leader on the field. Was there a temptation to substitute him though? I mean, you brought the number nine on there. Was there a temptation to do that? And what was your thinking? I think obviously in a game like today that we were finding it difficult to get into the box. Congo had a back five. At the time it was even a back six. They accumulated a lot of players. I think you can use the qualities of Cristiano Ronaldo. It makes no sense to get the best goal scorer. to get the best goal scorer in a game that you need goals. I think what we needed is to add Gonzalo Ramos without making it in a way that it would become even more a difficult line. As you know, in football, the straight line is not the quickest way. And I think for us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way that he attracts defenders is important. The way we can use the space is important. Every player has a responsibility or a piece of quality on the pitch. When you look for goals, you need to have Christiane on the pitch.
