World Cup

Paulo Bento has no issue with relying on Cristiano Ronaldo

By Sam Hughes, Reporter | 01 June 2014

Portugal coach Paulo Bento insists that he has no issue with his side relying on Cristiano Ronaldo, but did admit that they need to improve without him in the team.

Portugal coach Paulo Bento has insisted that he has no issue with his side relying on Cristiano Ronaldo following the laboured 0-0 draw with Greece in the forward's absence.

The Real Madrid star is yet to fully train since reporting for international duty after seeing the back end of last season hampered by a thigh injury.

Without Ronaldo, Portugal struggled and could only manage a scrappy goalless draw against Greece, but Bento has claimed that he does not worry about his side's reliance on the 29-year-old.

"Whoever we have in the team, we'll have to compete. The national team, Real Madrid or Manchester United were always stronger when they had a player with Cristiano Ronaldo's ability," Bento told reporters.

"If teams that train every day together depend on him, why should we be afraid of saying he has an enormous influence on our team?

"But we can't lose the capacity of working when he's not available for selection."

Portugal face Germany, Ghana and USA in Group G at the World Cup in Brazil.