Ange Postecoglou in angry Cristiano Ronaldo clash with reporter - ‘He did nothing'

· Mirror

Ange Postecoglou only took the reins with Saudi side Al-Nassr in the summer but the former Spurs and Celtic boss has already landed himself in hot water with a reporter

Ange Postecoglou angrily argued with a Saudi journalist who claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has recently done ‘nothing’ for Al-Nassr. The Australian has been with the Middle Eastern side since the summer.

But things haven’t quite gone to plan recently. Al-Nassr sit third in the early table, while they also lost 4-0 to Emirati side Al Ain in the Asian Champions League in midweek.

And things got very heated between Postecoglou and a Saudi journalist in the aftermath of the defeat. Speaking in the post-match press conference, a reporter asked the former Spurs boss: "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, particularly in matches.”

Postecoglou seemed to be taken aback by those comments and replied: "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?

"You shouldn’t say that about somebody who is still setting an example for everyone. You should be careful when you say things like that about people who have built a career by making all the sacrifices required to keep playing.

"As I said, you can criticise me. No problem. That’s okay. Did he not score in the last three games? Did he not have chances today?”

The reporter then said: "In the last three matches, he did nothing,” to which Postecoglou replied: "He did nothing? You're watching a different game to me."

Ronaldo, now 41, has been with Al-Nassr since his explosive exit from Manchester United in 2022. In that time, he has gone on to score 132 goals for the club, while he also helped the side to the Saudi Pro League title last season under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.

They will get their attempts to retain their title back underway after the international break when they take on Diriyah. Before that, Ronaldo will hope to be in action for Portugal as they face a hectic fixture list.

Ronaldo’s former Al-Nassr boss Jesus is now in charge of the national team and is expected to name his first squad this week. He will then oversee his first game in charge as Portugal take on Wales in their Nations League opener, ahead of a clash with Denmark and two showdowns with Norway.

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