Postecoglou Defends Ronaldo After Al-Nassr's 4-0 Loss

Ange Postecoglou sprang to the defence of his captain Cristiano Ronaldo in a spiky exchange with a reporter 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 started the domestic season strongly were ripped apart, the scoreline dragging them sharply back down to earth.

Ronaldo, with three goals in six matches this season, cut a frustrated figure and failed to stamp his usual authority on the game. That was enough for one Saudi reporter to go after him in the post-match press conference, and the temperature in the room rose quickly.

According to the Daily Mail, the reporter suggested Ronaldo’s place in the starting XI was now holding Al-Nassr back. The striker, he claimed, was “not entirely a burden” but “does not benefit the team”.

Postecoglou didn’t let that stand.

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

The Australian coach shifted the spotlight firmly onto himself.

“The responsibility falls on me, but you should not say that about someone who is still a role model for everyone,” he continued, his tone hardening.

Then came the broader defence of Ronaldo’s legacy and standards.

“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,” he said. “You can criticise me, no problem.”

The reporter refused to back down, insisting Ronaldo had not done “anything” in the match. That was the final trigger.

“He did not do anything? You are watching a different match to me,” Postecoglou fired back.

On a bruising night for Al-Nassr on the pitch, their coach made it clear there would be no shrinking away from the fallout – and no tolerance for cheap shots at his captain.