Brian Riemer: Portugal will face massive problems after Cristiano Ronaldo retires
Denmark head coach Brian Riemer believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the 'glue' holding Portugal's squad together and his eventual retirement will trigger a major hierarchy crisis.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: YantsImages
Ahead of the Nations League clash between Denmark and Portugal, Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has defended Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite ongoing debates about the 41-year-old's role, Riemer insists that the veteran's influence is far more significant than just his on-field output.
He is a player, I think, people underestimate. They underestimate the importance he has in that squad. I believe that the day he stops with the national team, a big problem will arise in terms of the hierarchy. I think he holds it all together with a very, very tight thread, and one should not underestimate the significance of that. Brian Riemer
The tactical discussions surrounding Portugal often focus on the adjustments needed to accommodate the veteran forward. Danish defender Joakim Maehle noted that while Ronaldo is less mobile than younger alternatives like Goncalo Ramos, his clinical finishing remains a constant threat that defenders must respect.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's immediate participation remains under scrutiny as he has been managing his fitness away from full group sessions. The Portuguese Football Federation has clarified that the absence from training is due to facility limitations rather than an injury. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his preparation, Denmark remains fully focused on the threat he poses, given his historical record of four goals against them in nine previous meetings.