Queiroz rules out quitting

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz said he would not quit the post despite returning empty-handed from the World Cup amid reports that all was not well between him and star players such as captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 57-year-old, who was, along with Ronaldo, the focus of criticism for Portugal's last 16 1-0 defeat by Spain, said that there was no dishonour in their failing to win the trophy for the first time.

"It is totally out of the question (resigning)," said Queiroz. "If the national coach must resign for having lost 1-0 against Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup then there is something that is not right.

"Spain is one of the big favourites. We haven't succeeded in winning. That will be for the next one," added Queiroz.

On Wednesday, the day after Portugal's elimination he turned on Ronaldo for admitting that he had felt like a broken man and disconsolate after the Spanish defeat. The Real Madrid stalwart also had to deny he had laid the blame for the loss at the coach's door.

"We are not unaware of those remarks, but we are not here to be friends with the players," said Queiroz, who got to know Ronaldo well during his time at Manchester United.

"One must never allow anyone placing himself above the best interests of the national side.

"Portugal needs Ronaldo, and Ronaldo needs the national side. But if this shirt (the Portuguese strip) unnerves some players, they have no grounds to be there."