Ange Postecoglou Defends Cristiano Ronaldo After Al-Nassr Loss

Ange Postecoglou sprang to the defence of his captain Cristiano Ronaldo in a spiky post-match flashpoint after Al-Nassr were thrashed 4-0 by Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

The Saudi Pro League champions opened their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a nightmare. A side that had eased into the new season with authority were ripped apart, and the result dragged them sharply back to reality.

Ronaldo, with three goals in six games so far, barely left a mark on the contest. That was enough for one Saudi reporter to go after him in the press conference – and to trigger an instant response from Postecoglou.

According to English outlet the Daily Mail, the journalist suggested Ronaldo’s place in the starting XI was holding Al-Nassr back, arguing that while the 39-year-old was not a complete burden, he “does not benefit the team”.

Postecoglou bristled.

“Cristiano has already scored three goals. His preparation period was limited,” he replied. “It is not about the players. The players are giving their all and they are top-class players with wonderful character.”

The Australian refused to let the criticism slide onto his captain’s shoulders.

“The responsibility falls on me, but you should not say that about someone who is still a role model for everyone,” he continued, drawing a firm line around Ronaldo.

Then came the warning.

“You have to be careful when you say things like this about people who have built their career on making every sacrifice to keep playing,” Postecoglou said. “You can criticise me, no problem.”

The reporter did not back down, doubling down with the claim that Ronaldo had not done “anything” in the game.

That pushed Postecoglou into one final retort: “He did not do anything? You are watching a different match to me.”

A brutal night on the pitch ended with a manager publicly shielding his star, and just as clearly staking his own reputation on turning Al-Nassr’s campaign around from here.