Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s most iconic figures, has never been one to shy away from expressing his opinions. In a recent interview, the Portuguese superstar made headlines with a scathing comment about some of the managers he has worked with during his illustrious career. Fans were quick to speculate that Ronaldo’s remarks were aimed at former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and ex-Real Madrid boss Rafael Benítez.
Ronaldo, who has played under 19 different managers throughout his career, has been shaped by some of the greatest minds in football. From Sir Alex Ferguson, who nurtured him into a global superstar at Manchester United, to Jose Mourinho and Zinedine Zidane, who helped him achieve unprecedented success at Real Madrid, CR7 has worked with some of the most respected names in the sport. However, not all of his managerial relationships have been smooth sailing.
In the interview, as cited by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo didn’t hold back when discussing his experiences with certain coaches.
“I had some really bad coaches. Some of them don’t have a fcking clue about football at all…”*
This bold statement immediately sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans dissecting Ronaldo’s words and speculating about which managers he might be referring to. Many believe the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was taking aim at Erik ten Hag and Rafael Benítez, two managers with whom he had notably turbulent relationships.
Rafael Benítez: A Short-Lived Partnership
Ronaldo’s time under Rafael Benítez at Real Madrid during the 2015/16 season was brief and underwhelming. Despite scoring 25 goals in 24 games under the Spanish manager, the partnership was far from successful. Benítez was sacked in January 2016 after just seven months in charge, with Zinedine Zidane taking over and leading Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
Fans were quick to connect Ronaldo’s comments to Benítez, with one social media user posting a GIF of the former Liverpool manager alongside the caption:
“We all know who he’s talking about, if you know you know.”
Erik ten Hag: A Public Fallout
Ronaldo’s relationship with Erik ten Hag during his second stint at Manchester United was even more contentious. The Portuguese forward returned to Old Trafford in 2021 with high hopes, but his reunion with the club quickly turned sour under the Dutch manager.
Ronaldo struggled to adapt to Ten Hag’s system, scoring just three goals in 16 appearances during the 2022/23 season. The tension between the two reached a boiling point when Ronaldo publicly criticized Ten Hag in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, accusing the manager of disrespecting him. This led to Manchester United terminating Ronaldo’s contract in December 2022, paving the way for his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
A New Chapter at Al-Nassr
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has found a new lease on life under former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli. The 38-year-old has been in scintillating form, scoring 23 goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season. His resurgence in Saudi Arabia has silenced critics and proven that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
Ronaldo’s comments have reignited debates about his relationships with former managers. While some fans sympathize with his frustrations, others argue that his outspoken nature can sometimes overshadow his achievements. Regardless of where one stands on the matter, there’s no denying that Ronaldo’s words have once again put him at the center of the footballing world’s attention.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo remains as polarizing and influential as ever. Whether he was directly targeting Ten Hag and Benítez or simply reflecting on his career, his comments have once again highlighted the highs and lows of working with one of football’s greatest-ever players.
For now, Ronaldo seems focused on his journey with Al-Nassr, where he continues to defy age and expectations. As for his former managers, only time will tell if they choose to respond to his latest remarks.
