Ricardo Carvalho Discusses Roberto Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo Management

Ricardo Carvalho, who served as an assistant coach for the Portugal national team under Roberto Martinez, recently discussed the challenges of managing Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast hosted by John Obi Mikel, Carvalho addressed whether the veteran forward should have played almost every minute in every match, admitting that, in his opinion, the manager should have substituted him earlier and more often.

Carvalho explained that Ronaldo's relentless drive to score makes it difficult to take him off the pitch. Even when fatigued, the player believes an opportunity will always arrive for him to score. This fierce determination created a tough balancing act for Martinez during his tenure, as the coaching staff recognized Ronaldo's immense past contributions and his vital role within the squad over a span of three to four years.

Highlighting a specific instance, Carvalho recalled Portugal's 5-0 victory against Uzbekistan during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. With Portugal leading 3-0 and Ronaldo having already scored twice, Martinez contemplated taking him off. However, the team captain refused to leave the field, telling the coach that he had only just started scoring and wanted more.

Carvalho noted that such unwavering ambition is key to Ronaldo's historic career, as he continues to push toward his goal of reaching 1,000 career goals. At the same time, the former defender acknowledged that managing a superstar in this manner presents difficulties for a head coach, particularly when handling a squad of 26 players where other forwards are eagerly awaiting playing time.

Reflecting on his own perspective regarding player management, Carvalho stated that aging athletes often suffer the longer they remain on the pitch because fatigue sets in and they arrive late to situations. While he believes Ronaldo should have been withdrawn sooner in certain games, he emphasized that the final choice rested entirely with Martinez, who ultimately stood by his decisions.

Carvalho also compared Ronaldo's current level to his peak years at Real Madrid, praising his physical attributes and heading ability while acknowledging that he is no longer the exact same player he was a decade ago. He also offered high praise for Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine as naturally superior in one-on-one technical situations while emphasizing that Ronaldo possesses a uniquely powerful overall profile as a goalscorer.

Looking ahead, Carvalho expressed his belief that Ronaldo will likely continue representing the national team for approximately another year as he pursues his personal milestones. He noted that the Portuguese Football Federation and the country as a whole continue to hold the star in high regard, ensuring that the door remains open whenever he chooses to return.