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Martinez: Ronaldo s red card was not due to violence, but a reaction to provocation

1:56pm, 16 November 2025【Football】

Hupu reported on November 15 that Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez attended the pre-match press conference against Armenia.

Have you lodged an appeal against Ronaldo's red card?

"After the game, the players will go through a difficult moment because the emotions will be very complicated. I saw his reaction to that provocation.

The provocation was there from the beginning of the game, in every confrontation in the penalty area. It even started in the press conference the day before, and his reaction was just to try to continue playing.

1}Others may fall to the ground and ask for a penalty. But it is not a violent act, it is not a red card for violence, but a reaction to provocation.

We must try to present the facts and be prepared. I think it would be a great injustice to impose a longer suspension on him."

Will we see a "new" Portugal?

"Our team is very responsible and self-critical. We try to create an atmosphere where the team can grow after every game, and this is especially true after a loss. We do feel sad. I have talked about that game and now is not the time to continue talking about it. Sad too. An opportunity. We will play at home, in front of the fans, against a team that we respect, but we want to show our true level in front of them and complete the promotion. "

How did the team feel after the loss?

"We have been working together for nearly three years, and the overall atmosphere has been very stable. We like to grow by watching the games. We have experienced failures before, which is very important for us to win the next game and continue to improve. The time we spend with the players is very little, but it must be of high quality. I saw the ball yesterday The players are full of joy and energy when training, eager to show their best condition in front of the fans and win another game. This round of qualifying is strange, there are only six games, and details determine success or failure... The team is in good shape and can't wait to show itself against Armenia. "

Is the appearance of the chairman a sign of trust in the team?

"I think we are all working together and staying united, and unity is important at all times. Whether we win or lose, we have a winning atmosphere... We want to accomplish what we have been working hard for the past few training camps. We are united."

Looking forward to the support of the fans?

"We have great memories at the Dragon Stadium. We qualified here against Poland and the atmosphere of that game was unforgettable; and the European Cup promotion game against Slovakia. Ireland used their home court very well and we can do the same. The team loves to play in front of the home fans and this will have a huge impact and we will make the most of it tomorrow."

Are you looking forward to Ronaldo appearing at the Dragon Stadium?

"I have already explained how the national team operates: players are injured and are not in the national team; players are suspended and are not in the national team because their focus is not on the game. We have always done this. B Fee was also not in the team due to suspension in the game against Ireland. Cristiano Ronaldo also failed to play due to yellow card suspension before, that was in the game against Luxembourg, and we scored the best score in team history .

You are disrespecting Ronaldo and the players who are here now. Why are you talking about this? He has won so many games for the national team, and his commitment and professional attitude are impeccable. Now he is unable to participate. "

Will the offensive line be different without Ronaldo? What about Gonzalo Ramos?

"We have one more training session, and I won't reveal the starting lineup. We like to have two players competing for each position. Gonzalo is a pure center forward, and he has also played very exciting moments in the national team in the past. His 'goals per minute efficiency' in European competitions is the highest among all Portuguese forwards. He is a very important player for us. I can't say whether he will start, but he will definitely be important."

Analysis of Armenia

"People They didn't know what Armenia could do. The new coach didn't have much time to lead the team. They were a very smart and creative team that tried to play well.

They played well against Ireland, but it was just bad luck. This is a very competitive team and I really like the way their coach works."source:ty so 7m cn