Jose Mourinho, who will coach countryman Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid next season, has defended the Portugal captain after he failed to inspire his team pastthe round of 16, in which it fell to Spain and Ronaldo was isolated for long periods as Portugal played a defensive game.
Mourinho does not expect the winger will be as ineffective underhis tutelage and said criticism of his Ronaldo’s World Cup performances were misplaced.
“I will not allow all the responsibilities of the team to fall on Ronaldo,” Mourinho said. “In myteams, when we win, we all win, and when we lose, I lose – so Ronaldo can relax and enjoy his holidays.”