Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has stated that benching star forward Cristiano Ronaldo was down to the team needing a “different approach”. (Scroll down to watch video)
He said this after Ronaldo was benched in the second half of Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro-League.
Al-Nassr trailed 2-0 and had to play the game for over 60 minutes with 10 men after goalkeeper Bento was red carded.
However, Postecoglou benched Ronaldo and the substitution sparked Al-Nassr’s comeback with Sadio Mane scoring twice in the win.
Ronaldo was spotted reacting angrily to the substitution and in a post-game presser, Postecoglou explained the reason for the substitution.
“We needed a different approach in the second half and I try and help them, but it’s really the players.The players are the ones who out there have the belief and the courage to still play.”
“You can see that in this humidity, how hard it is to run and keep having an effort and I thought the players were outstanding” Postecoglou said.
In two games in the 2026-2027 season, Ronaldo has a goal to his credit.
Cristiano Ronaldo was NOT happy leaving the field before being taken off at half-time by Ange Postecoglou 😳
After a frustrated outburst prior to being subbed, Ronaldo was not spotted in Al Nassr’s full-time celebrations after a 3-2 comeback win.
Now, the Aussie has provided… pic.twitter.com/gg1H1qYWzF
— Football360.com.au (@football360au) August 26, 2026
