Postecoglou's fiery exchange with reporter over Ronaldo: You should be careful

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FT Desk

Ange Postecoglou has leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo again after Al-Nassr suffered a humbling 4-0 defeat versus Al Ain in the AFC Champions League.

Houssine Rahimi scored two, his brother Soufiane Rahim got another and Georgios Giakoumakis also got on the scoresheet as Postecoglou, Ronaldo and Al-Nassr suffered the humiliating loss.

It was CR7's heaviest defeat since moving to the Saudi Pro League and the heaviest overall since Manchester United were beaten 4-0 by Brentford in 2022.

Ronaldo has come under criticism in some areas for his performances so far in the new season, even though he has scored three goals. A few weeks ago, Al-Nassr were two goals and a man down against Al-Ettifaq. Postecoglou made the brave decision to withdraw the Portuguese superstar at half-time and Al-Nassr would remarkably go on to win 3-2.

The club also recently suffered a damaging defeat to title rivals Al-Ittihad and could only manage a 1-1 draw versus Al-Khaleej. They are currently third in the Saudi Pro League, seven points off the pace set by Al-Hilal.

In the continental defeat against Al Ain, Ronaldo was anonymous.

Following that loss, one reporter was savage in his assessment of the result and criticised Ronaldo as well as the preparation of the team and Postecoglou's tactics.

“The poor performance under Mr Ange’s management showed a lack of character and identity in the team," the journalist began.

"He played with five defenders and could not find solutions. We saw two Al Ain attackers against one Al Nassr defender, and even then, there was no clear identity for the team under Mr Ange, with all due respect to him. He did not play with the same tools and the same players that won the league last season. The only thing that changed was the midfield, and it was not at the level required.

Ange Postecoglou defended Cristiano Ronaldo in a heated exchange with a reporter after Al-Nassr lost their AFC Champions League opener 4-0 🗣️😡

"You can criticise me, no problem... but you shouldn't be saying that about somebody who is still setting an example for everyone" pic.twitter.com/Y56tW2o1Il

— Football360.com.au (@football360au) September 16, 2026

"The team did not prepare well, neither in the Portugal camp nor in the Abha camp, which was cancelled. There were also no international signings. I stayed in Abha for two days and then returned. I saw... I do not know. Play a friendly match, Mr Ange."

Postecoglou replied:

"Please do not talk about preparation, because Portugal... You talk about Portugal. How many of these players were in Portugal? They were preparing with their national teams."

The conversation then went on to Cristiano specifically.

"No, they were with their national teams preparing. The fans are angry," the journalist said in retort.

"The second question is, Al Nassr played more matches without their captain and legendary world class player Cristiano Ronaldo, and they were playing beautiful football and winning. Now Ronaldo’s presence has become, I will not say a burden, because he is a respected player with a great history, but his presence does not benefit the team, especially in matches."

The Australian defended Ronaldo, saying he isn't yet fully fit from appearing at the World Cup.

"Cristiano has already scored three goals. He had limited preparation," Ange said.

"This is not about the players. The players are giving everything. They are top players and they have great character. That is all I will say. But you should not say that about somebody who is still setting an example for everyone, and you should be careful when you say things like that about people who have built a career by making all the sacrifices to keep playing. He is someone who built himself and built his name in a certain way. Cristiano Ronaldo has three goals. You can criticise me but not the players."

The journalist then said Ronaldo has not contributed anything in the last three games, before Postecoglou pointed to his three goals scored so far this campaign.