Postecoglou Defends Ronaldo After Al-Nassr’s 4-0 AFC Champions League Loss
Al-Nassr were thrashed 4-0 by UAE side Al Ain on Tuesday, a damaging AFC Champions League Elite defeat that brought the heaviest loss of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian spell.
Coach Ange Postecoglou took full responsibility after the final whistle but delivered a forceful defence of Ronaldo and his players when their preparation and commitment were challenged.
Quick facts
- Al Ain beat Al-Nassr 4-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite.
- It is Ronaldo’s biggest defeat since joining the Riyadh club.
- Postecoglou said Ronaldo has already scored three times despite limited pre-season work.
- Al-Nassr are third in the Saudi Pro League, behind Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
Postecoglou rejected the suggestion that his side had arrived unprepared. He told the reporter that they had been present to see the build-up, insisting the claim was not truthful.
The former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest manager said any shortcomings were his to answer for. “Maybe I have not done my job well,” he said, while stressing that criticism of the team’s preparation was unfair.
He was even more direct over the suggestion that Ronaldo had offered nothing in the defeat. Postecoglou pointed to the Portugal captain’s three goals so far and said the forward had not enjoyed a full preparation period before the campaign.
“This is not about the players,” Postecoglou said. “They are giving everything. They are quality players with strong character, and the responsibility is mine.”
He added that Ronaldo remains an example to the squad because of the sacrifices behind his long career, and argued that the forward had scored across his first three matches and also created opportunities against Al Ain.
Al-Nassr must now recover quickly from the continental setback. Their domestic position is also under pressure, with ground to regain on title rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
