Mourinho backs Ronaldo

Mourinho backs Ronaldo
(PA) Wednesday 30 June 2010
Mourinho backs Ronaldo
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Jose Mourinho has defended Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo after watching his countrymen exit the FIFA World Cup™ at the hands of Spain yesterday. Ronaldo was isolated for long periods as Portugal played a defensive game and Spain eventually won 1-0 thanks to a second-half David Villa strike.

Mourinho, who will coach the 25-year-old at Real Madrid this season, does not expect the winger will be similarly ineffective under his tutelage and said criticism of his FIFA World Cup performances were misplaced.

"I will not allow all the responsibilities of the team to fall on Ronaldo," he said in quotes published by Marca. "In my teams, when we win, we all win, and when we lose, I lose - so Ronaldo can relax and enjoy his holidays."