Ange Postecoglou Defends Cristiano Ronaldo After Al-Nassr's Defeat

Ange Postecoglou sprang to Cristiano Ronaldo’s defence in a heated press conference after Al-Nassr’s bruising 4-0 collapse against Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

The Saudi Pro League champions opened their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with expectations of making an early statement. Instead, they were taken apart, the defeat snapping them out of their early-season rhythm and leaving serious questions hanging over a side that has otherwise started strongly.

Ronaldo, with three goals in six games this term, cut a frustrated figure. Service was scarce, chances even rarer. His quiet night quickly became the focal point once the final whistle went.

Inside the press room, the tone sharpened.

According to the Daily Mail, a Saudi reporter directly challenged Postecoglou, asking whether Ronaldo’s presence in the starting XI was now holding the team back. The reporter suggested that while the 39-year-old was not a complete burden, the legendary forward “does not benefit the team”.

Postecoglou did not 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 refused to let the conversation drift towards scapegoating. He pulled the blame towards himself instead.

“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 clear line around his captain.

The challenge from the press did not stop there. The reporter doubled down, insisting Ronaldo had not done “anything” in the match.

Postecoglou’s response was instant and cutting.

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

Before that, he had already warned about the weight of such criticism.

“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.”

On a night when Al-Nassr were outclassed and outgunned, the performance left a dent. The coach, though, made one thing crystal clear: as the pressure builds and the campaign stiffens, Ronaldo will not be the shield for everyone else’s failings.