Ominous Cristiano Ronaldo warning sent to Scotland as Portugal boss comes out fighting for Steve Clarke

-Credit: (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)


Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has leapt to the defence of Steve Clarke and told the Tartan Army to stand by their gaffer.

The Scotland manager has faced criticism in the wake of a disastrous Euro 2024 tournament where his side crashed out at the group stage having failed to win a game in Germany. Clarke’s side also suffered a narrow defeat to Poland on Thursday night at Hampden in the opening game of their Nations League campaign.

The Portuguese are up next tonight in Lisbon, with Martinez having an array of talent to choose from. He’s a big admirer of what Clarke has achieved with the Scottish team and is convinced he’s built something special. The Spaniard believes his counterpart should be applauded for taking us to a new level - and hopes the fans keep the faith.

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Clarke has taken flak for his team’s performance at the Euros where they picked up just a point and scored a solitary goal before being sent home. Another defeat for him on Sunday will take his current record to just one win in 14 games - and that was against Gibraltar in a friendly. Meanwhile, the Portuguese kicked off their Nations League bid with a 2-1 victory over Croatia in midweek. On the eve of the clash at the Estadio da Luz, Martinez said: “It’s important to measure what Steve has done to the Scotland national team.

“Look at what he’s built. The feeling of having a national team qualifying for a Euros with an incredible record. That’s something to believe in for Scotland fans. International football isn’t easy and it’s not easy to reach tournaments. My experience tells me that it’s well worth it to carry on and believe in his project. You have to get beyond the emotional results from a big tournament where you’re playing against the best players in Europe.

“Steve has a lot of experience. He’s been in big dressing-rooms in his career. And it’s more about what he’s done for Scotland rather than highlighting recent results.”

Portugal’s skipper and talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo netted his landmark 900th goal of his career against the Croats on Thursday night. The legendary forward will be hungry for more against the Scots tonight. Martinez is in awe of Ronaldo’s feat and refused to rule out the possibility of the 39-year-old hitting 1000 before he retires.

In a warning to Clarke’s side, he said: “It’s important for the history of football to achieve what Cristiano has. But he will score important goals for us in the future. And his assists are also important for this team, just as much as the goals. You can never say it’s impossible for him to reach 1000 goals. With Cristiano, he’s capable of anything. It’s possible - just because it’s him.”