Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz has criticised his star-players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, for not working hard enough.
Former Manchester United coach Queiroz has called his national team a ‘golden generation’, but he has, at the same time, slammed his stars for their lack of commitment.
The tactician, who replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari last summer, has claimed that Ronaldo and his club team-mate Nani, as well as Atletico Madrid duo Simao and Maniche and Juventus’ Tiago, make more effort for their club than for their country.
The national side are battling in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and Queiroz has ordered his players to give their best when they wear the national shirt.
Queiroz told Maisfutebol: “They need to do more. There’s no reason why Ronaldo, Nani, Simao, Maniche, Tiago don’t play as well as with their respective club [when they are on international duty].
“You have to win first and then you have privileges. This is a golden generation that has won trophies, money and that can buy diamonds.
“When things are simple for you and you et a lot of money, sometimes you buy diamonds before you win your first trophy.
“You have to work first if you want to deserve privileges. Work is a word that nobody likes to hear.”