New Portugal coach Paulo Bento has called on his flair players to show more commitment.
Portugal coach wants more commitment from international stars
New Portugal coach Paulo Bento has called on his flair players to show more commitment if they are to qualify for Euro 2012.
The Portuguese have made a woeful start to their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 loss to Norway and 4-4 draw at home to Cyprus giving them just one point from a possible six.
The 41-year-old was named as coach on Tuesday following the sacking of Carlos Queiroz.
The former Portugal midfielder arrived with the Iberian nation second from bottom in Group H, and warned players such as Cristiano Ronaldo that they must put the team before their individual ability.
"It is a tough mission, that is clear, and the numbers don't lie, but we have the capacity, talent and we'll also have the organisation to complete it," Bento told a news conference.
"In this moment of difficulty it is completely forbidden for them to think as individuals first. The players have my admiration, but they will also have my demands and rigour in a short space of time.
Complicated
"One point from six is not good... we are in a complicated situation."
The Portuguese Football Federation made an approach to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho about a temporary role in charge to rescue them, though it was turned down.
But Bento, whose first games in charge will come in early October against Denmark and Iceland, insisted he was unconcerned by not being the PFF's first choice, and claimed that he understood why the iconic coach was considered for the role.
"I don't feel weakened by the fact that one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best, was considered for national coach. I am proud to have been the choice right after him," Bento said.
