Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has been involved in a heated exchange with a Saudi Arabian reporter as they clashed over Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Al-Nassr team.
Postecoglou's side lost their AFC Champions League game against Al-Ain 4-0 yesterday, after a league draw with Al-Khaleej on Satuday..
It has led one reporter to question the Portuguese superstar and whether he should still have a prominent role in the team at 41.
Postecoglou has launched a strong and passionate defence of his star man though, and warned the journalist against making such claims.
Below is the full exchange between the pair.
Read more
Three tactical problems Celtic must fix to avoid another Rangers derby defeat Celtic’s second big test of the season gave us the same answer as the first
Postecoglou : "You say we didn’t prepare well, but you were there. So you’re not saying the truth. Be honest.
"It doesn’t matter. You’re right, okay? Like I said, it’s my responsibility. I haven’t done my job well. That’s fine. But please don’t talk about preparation.
"You talk about Portugal. How many of these players were in Portugal?
Ange Postecoglou defended Cristiano Ronaldo in a heated exchange with a reporter after Al-Nassr lost their AFC Champions League opener 4-0 🗣️😡 "You can criticise me, no problem... but you shouldn't be saying that about somebody who is still setting an example for everyone" pic.twitter.com/Y56tW2o1Il
— Football360.com.au (@football360au) September 16, 2026
Reporter : "Ronaldo’s presence has become..I wil not say a burden because he is a respected player with a great history, but his presence does not benefit team, particularly in matches.
AP: "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?
Reporter: "In the last three matches, he did nothing.
AP: "He did nothing? You're watching a different game to me."
