Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has refused to be drawn into the recent controversy involving Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team, insisting that he has no interest in commenting on matters that belong to another coach.
Recall that Cristiano Ronaldo recently found himself at the centre of headlines once again following his well-publicised disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the international break.
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Postecoglou was asked about the development during a press conference ahead of Al-Nassr’s clash with Al-Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. The manager refused to comment on the subject, making it clear that his focus is solely on the veteran forward’s condition after returning to club duty.
“Ronaldo has returned in good condition,” said the Al-Nassr head coach in quotes conveyed by Al-Riyadh newspaper on X (formerly Twitter). “He is mentally and physically ready, and that’s the most important thing.”
“As for the national team and his incident, I used to coach national teams, and I disliked club coaches commenting on national team events,” he added.
With the international break now behind him, Cristiano Ronaldo has rejoined Al-Nassr and is expected to be available for Friday’s league fixture against Al-Diriyah. The Portuguese forward will be hoping to put the Portugal controversy behind him and return his focus to helping the club continue their push for domestic and continental success this season.
The defending champions currently occupy the third position in the Saudi Pro League table with 16 points after seven games – two points behind leaders Al Hilal and one point behind second-placed Al Ittihad. Postecoglou’s men have recorded five wins, one draw and one defeat to their name so far.
Portugal shine in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence
Portugal played two games in the UEFA Nations League after Cristiano Ronaldo left the camp during the international break. Jorge Jesus’ men faced Denmark and Norway in those two games, producing eye-catching performances and picking up victories in both.
Against Denmark, Goncalo Ramos replaced the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the striker role and he impressed by contributing a goal and assist. Joao Cancelo, Vitinha and Joao Felix also found the back of the net to lead the team to a statement 4-2 win.
In the clash with Norway, Portugal came from behind to secure a 2-1 triumph, with Goncalo Ramos and Joao Cancelo scoring again to lead the team to another important victory. It is still unclear whether Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the team but with these two performances, Jorge Jesus’ men have proven they can earn good results in his absence.
Edited by Nived Zenith
