Al-Nassr's Heavy Defeat: Postecoglou Defends Ronaldo

Al-Nassr were ripped apart in a bruising 4-0 defeat to Al Ain on Tuesday, a result that sent a jolt through their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite campaign and left serious questions hanging over the Saudi Pro League champions.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, it was the heaviest loss of his time in Saudi Arabia. For his manager, it was a line in the sand.

Postecoglou bristles at Ronaldo criticism

As the inquest began in the press room, the spotlight quickly swung to the 39-year-old forward and the team’s preparation. One reporter suggested Al-Nassr had not been ready and accused Ronaldo of failing to help the side.

Ange Postecoglou snapped back.

"You say we didn't prepare well, but you were there," he fired, as quoted by ESPN. "So you're not saying the truth. Be honest. It's my responsibility. Maybe I haven't done my job well. That's fine. But please don't talk about preparation."

He refused to let the criticism of his dressing room – and of Ronaldo in particular – go unchallenged. The Australian accepted the blame for the performance but drew a hard line at suggestions his players had come up short in effort or attitude.

“The responsibility is mine”

The tone hardened when the claims turned to Ronaldo having contributed “nothing” on the night. Postecoglou, clearly irritated, reached straight for the numbers and the context.

"Cristiano has scored three goals already," he said. "He had a limited preparation. This is not about the players. The players are giving everything. They're top players, and they've got great character. The responsibility is mine, okay? But you shouldn't say that about somebody who is still setting an example for everyone."

He reminded the room that Ronaldo’s pre-season had been restricted, yet the forward had still found the net three times coming into the tie. That, in his view, was proof enough of ongoing influence, even on a night when Al-Nassr collectively collapsed.

Postecoglou then broadened his defence, turning the criticism back on its source.

"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," he warned. "Like I said, you can criticise me, no problem. That's okay. Did he not score in three games? Did he not have chances today?"

The questions hung in the air. The defeat was brutal, the scrutiny inevitable. But as Al-Nassr lick their wounds, one thing is clear: their manager is not about to let his star’s legacy, or his squad’s character, be casually dismantled after one disastrous night.