Ange Postecoglou has defended his bold decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time as Al-Nassr staged a stunning 10-man comeback to beat Al-Ettifaq 3-2.
The Australian’s relationship with Ronaldo is already attracting attention just two matches into the new Saudi Pro League season, after the Al-Nassr manager took off his captain following a disastrous opening 45 minutes on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo, who earns a reported £488,000 a day in Saudi Arabia, was making his first start of the campaign after returning from the summer’s World Cup.
Yet the Portuguese icon endured a torrid evening as Al-Nassr fell two goals behind following the 12th-minute dismissal of goalkeeper Bento.
The Brazilian stopper was sent off after racing outside his area and bringing down former Fulham star Mousa Dembele, leaving Postecoglou’s side with a mountain to climb.
Al-Ettifaq seized on their numerical advantage, with Ondrej Duda opening the scoring before Alvaro Medran struck to send the hosts into the interval two goals to the good.
Ronaldo was visibly frustrated as he made his way down the tunnel, gesturing angrily and removing his captain’s armband before disappearing into the dressing room.
Postecoglou then made the huge call to replace the 41-year-old before the second half had even begun.
Ange Postecoglou has defended his bold decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time as Al-Nassr staged a stunning 10-man comeback to beat Al-Ettifaq 3-2
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It was a decision that could have created a major flashpoint between the pair. Instead, it proved pivotal.
Sadio Mane got Al Nassr back into the contest in the 74th minute before defender Abdulelah Al Amri levelled three minutes later.
Mane then completed the remarkable turnaround in the 90th minute, sealing a 3-2 victory for the visitors.
Postecoglou was in no mood to entertain suggestions that his Ronaldo substitution should dominate the post-match discussion, insisting the effort of his 10 men deserved the spotlight.
Cristiano Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure during Al-Nassr’s sensational win
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“When I made the substitutions, including taking Ronaldo off, I believed the players coming on could make an impact,” Postecoglou explained.
“I came here to help the players, so as I said, I’m proud of them because every substitute made a positive contribution.”
He added: “I think there’s a bigger story today, and that is that 10 men of Al Nassr were unbelievable. That’s all you should write about today, everything else doesn’t matter.
“It doesn’t matter what team because if you see 10 men in those conditions for so long, 2-0 down to come back, that’s the only story today.”
Footage from the final whistle appeared to show Ronaldo absent from Al Nassr’s jubilant celebrations, further fuelling interest in his reaction to Postecoglou’s decision.
It is not the first time Ronaldo has found himself at the centre of controversy since joining Al Nassr in January 2023 following his explosive Manchester United exit.
Sadio Mane bagged a brace as Al-Nassr came from behind to claim all three points
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Earlier this year, Ronaldo reportedly went on strike amid concerns over Al Nassr’s financial backing compared with Saudi rivals Al Hilal, who are also majority owned by the Public Investment Fund.
The Portugal forward was said to be particularly unhappy after Al Hilal strengthened their squad with players including his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema.
The Saudi Pro League later stressed that every club operates independently, adding: “No individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.”
Postecoglou, however, has made it clear he’ll prioritise the interests of the team above any individual as he targets silverware in his new environment.
