The dynamic between Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus continues to present challenges for the Saudi Pro League club. Recent form, coupled with financial constraints, has created a complex situation as Al Nassr navigates the winter transfer window and beyond.
Al Nassr experienced a significant downturn in form at the beginning of , following a strong start to the – season. After winning their first ten matches in the Saudi Pro League, the team suffered three consecutive defeats, raising questions about the need for squad reinforcements. Despite Ronaldo finding the net in two of the team’s first three matches of the new year, the results haven’t followed.
However, coach Jorge Jesus delivered a discouraging update regarding potential signings. Speaking after a win over Al Shabab, Jesus stated, “We don’t have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al Nassr is not good and doesn’t allow it. I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.” This admission suggests limited options for strengthening the squad during the current transfer window.
The financial difficulties at Al Nassr were further underscored by a viral video of Jesus jokingly responding to a question about signing Abdullah Al Hamdan from Al Hilal, stating there was “no money” for such a move. While initially presented as a joke, Jesus’s subsequent comments indicate a serious budgetary concern.
The situation is complicated by existing player absences due to injuries and international duty. Defender Mohamed Simakan recently returned from injury and featured against Al Hilal, providing a boost to the backline. Sadio Mané is expected to rejoin the team after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. These returning players will be crucial in stabilizing the squad, but may not be enough to address all the team’s needs.
The challenges facing Jesus at Al Nassr extend beyond immediate results. He acknowledged in an interview that leading the team is one of the most complex experiences of his coaching career. The pressure to deliver a league title, something Al Nassr hasn’t achieved in approximately seven seasons, is significant. Competing clubs possess strong technical elements, making the championship a formidable challenge.
Jesus accepted the role with a clear objective: to return Al Nassr to the top of the league. He emphasized that simply winning matches isn’t sufficient; trophies are his primary focus. This ambition is further fueled by the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who Jesus believes remains in exceptional physical condition.
Remarkably, Jesus described Ronaldo as the second fastest player on the team and the third most frequent to achieve runs exceeding 25 kilometers per hour, calling it “miraculous” given his age of 40. Jesus affirmed that Ronaldo will continue with Al Nassr at least until the end of the next season, with a personal goal of reaching 1000 career goals – currently around 50 goals away.
Recent events have also highlighted potential friction between Jesus and Ronaldo. Reports surfaced on , indicating that Ronaldo was substituted and benched during a match against Al-Hilal while the team was losing 2-1. Further fueling speculation, a post on , detailed a situation where Ronaldo was substituted in the 79th minute of a game, and Al-Nassr was awarded a penalty just six minutes later, leading to questions about whether Ronaldo’s presence on the field might have altered the outcome.
These incidents raise questions about Jesus’s tactical decisions and his management of Ronaldo, a player of immense stature and influence. While Jesus has publicly praised Ronaldo’s fitness and commitment, the on-field actions suggest a potentially strained relationship. The benching of a star player during a crucial match is rarely without consequence, and the reaction from fans, as evidenced by social media discussions, indicates a degree of discontent.
The combination of financial limitations, squad imbalances, and the delicate dynamic between coach and star player presents a significant test for Al Nassr. Whether Jesus can navigate these challenges and deliver the coveted league title remains to be seen. The coming months will be critical in determining the future direction of the club and the legacy of Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia.
