Ange Postecoglou clashes with journalist after heavy defeat
Ange Postecoglou found himself embroiled in a fiery confrontation with a Saudi journalist on Tuesday evening after Al-Nassr were demolished 4-0 by Emirati side Al-Ain in their AFC Champions League Elite opener, reports BritPanorama.
The result marked the heaviest defeat of Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia, as the reigning Saudi Pro League champions were thoroughly outclassed at the Azza Bin Zayed stadium. Al-Nassr managed just three efforts on target throughout the match, while Ronaldo, who had only 29 touches of the ball, failed to influence the game significantly.
In the post-match press conference, the atmosphere became almost as dramatic as the match itself, with the former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest manager clashing sharply with the reporter over Ronaldo’s contribution to the team. The journalist suggested that while Ronaldo remained “a respected player with a great history,” his inclusion in the starting lineup was hindering the team’s performance, implying that the veteran striker might be a “burden.”
Postecoglou was clearly taken aback and retorted, “Cristiano has scored three goals already, and he had limited preparation. This is not about the players. The players are giving everything. They are top players and they have great character. The responsibility is mine, okay?”
Postecoglou emphasized that the criticism of Ronaldo was unwarranted, stating, “You shouldn’t say that about somebody who is still setting an example for everyone.” He pointed to the forward’s three goals in six appearances this season as evidence of his ongoing value to the side. However, the journalist persisted, claiming Ronaldo had done “nothing” in the last three matches, leading Postecoglou to defend his player more vocally: “He did nothing? You’re watching a different game to me.”
The exchange escalated as Postecoglou issued a warning to the journalist, saying, “You should be careful when you say things like that about people who have built a career on making all the sacrifices to keep playing. You can criticise me, no problem. That’s okay.” He also countered the reporter’s assertion that Al-Nassr had been poorly prepared, challenging, “You say we didn’t prepare well, but you were there. You’re not saying the truth, be honest.”
Since taking charge of Al-Nassr over the summer, Postecoglou enjoyed a strong start, winning his first five matches. However, a downturn in form has seen the team secure just one win from the last four fixtures, leaving the club in third place in the Saudi Pro League, trailing behind Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.
The coach accepted full accountability for the recent results, indicating, “Maybe I haven’t done my job well and that’s fine but please don’t talk about preparation.” Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr following his departure from Manchester United in 2022, has scored an impressive 132 goals for the club and played a crucial role in their title triumph last season under former manager Jorge Jesus.
Al-Nassr’s next domestic fixture is against Diriyah after the international break, where they will look to regain momentum in their campaign.
