Postecoglou Cites Coaching Ronaldo as Key Reason for Joining Al‑Nassr
He says Ronaldo’s discipline makes him easy to manage, a factor that helped lure him to Riyadh and that now raises expectations for the club’s title defence and continental push.
Overview
- Ange Postecoglou said on Thursday that the chance to coach Cristiano Ronaldo was part of the attraction when he accepted the Al‑Nassr job and he praised Ronaldo’s motivation and clear goals.
- Al‑Nassr have started the 2026–27 campaign unbeaten with five competitive wins and Postecoglou won the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month award for August.
- Ronaldo has scored twice in three league games this season, including a winner against Al‑Taawoun, and Postecoglou noted the forward is close to 1,000 official career goals.
- Postecoglou argued that truly elite players are self‑motivated and disciplined, a trait he says makes them easier to manage and that his past work with top players shaped this view.
- The club is managing Ronaldo’s minutes—he missed the opener for fitness then returned as a substitute—which suggests Al‑Nassr will balance his goal chase with rotation as they defend the Saudi title and pursue the AFC Champions League.