Portugal's national team coach Fernando Santos insists that his decisions do not depend solely on Cristiano Ronaldo feeling comfortable on the field.
In recent years, the country's team played with a 4-3-3 formation, but the strategist recently decided to start matches with two center forwards.
The "Real" Madrid star played alongside Nani in the attack in all three European Championship group stage matches. However, Portugal did not win any of them.
Asked by "L'Equipe" if he changed the team's formation because it is more acceptable to Ronaldo, Santos replied: "Partly, but not just because of that. Although he is important to our team, not everything revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo."
"Cristiano is not a winger or a sniper. That's why, in search of balance, which we lacked, I chose 4-4-2."
"If we put Ronaldo in the sole center forward position, he will lose part of his potential and best qualities. We can't even think about that."
"And if he plays on the left, we will have trouble in defense."
In the round of 16, Portugal will face Croatia tomorrow.
