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

Ange Postecoglou sprang to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo after Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite campaign began with a thud and a 4-0 humiliation against Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

The Saudi Pro League champions, buoyed by a strong domestic start, were ripped apart on Tuesday night, their lofty early-season optimism abruptly punctured. Ronaldo, with three goals in six matches so far this term, cut a frustrated figure and struggled to influence the game, becoming an immediate lightning rod for criticism once the final whistle blew.

The real flashpoint came in the press conference.

According to English newspaper the Daily Mail, a Saudi reporter directly questioned whether Ronaldo’s presence in the starting XI was now holding Al-Nassr back. The journalist suggested that while the veteran forward was not a complete burden, he “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, refusing to pin the defeat on his captain. “It is not about the players. The players are giving their all and they are top-class players with wonderful character.”

The tone in the room shifted. The result had been brutal, but the Australian was not about to allow the narrative to be dumped on one man, least of all one of the game’s defining figures.

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

The defence grew more pointed as the line of questioning persisted.

“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.”

Still, the reporter pushed. Ronaldo, he insisted, had not done “anything”.

That was the final straw.

“He did not do anything? You are watching a different match to me,” Postecoglou fired back, drawing a clear line between legitimate tactical debate and what he viewed as disrespect towards a player whose standards and longevity still command dressing rooms around the world.

On a night when Al-Nassr were taken apart on the pitch, their manager chose the press room to make something else clear: as long as Cristiano Ronaldo leads his team, criticism will come, but it will have to go through him first.