Ange Postecoglou embroiled in feisty exchange with Saudi journalist who accused Cristiano Ronaldo of being a ‘burden’ to Al Nassr with ex-Spurs boss suffering heaviest defeat in charge

Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou leaped to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo in an incredibly heated exchange with a reporter following a humiliating 4-0 defeat by Al-Ain.

Postecoglou’s side were well and truly humbled in their AFC Champions League Elite opener in the UAE, with the result crashing the Saudi Pro League champions back down to earth after a flying start to the campaign.

Ronaldo, who has netted three goals in six games, struggled to have an impact in the game and came under intense scrutiny in the post-match press conference.

One reporter questioned Postecoglou on whether Ronaldo’s presence in the Al-Nassr starting line-up is a hindrance, claiming that while he is not quite a ‘burden’, the legendary striker does ‘not benefit the team’.

‘Cristiano has scored three goals already; he had a limited preparation,’ Postecoglou responded. ‘This is not about the players; the players are giving everything and they’re top players and they’ve got great character.

‘The responsibility is mine but 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 on making all the sacrifices to keep playing. You can criticise me, no problem.’

The exchange did not end there, with the reporter continuing to bash Ronaldo for doing ‘nothing’, to which Postecoglou replied: ‘He’s done nothing? You’re watching a different game to me.’

Postecoglou initially had a bright start as Al-Nassr head coach, winning his first five games in charge.

However, just one win in the last four games has seen pressure start to mount on the 61-year-old and his players.

The Australian coach made sure to take accountability for the recent dip in form, but not without hitting out at the reporter beforehand after criticism of the team’s preparation.

Postecoglou added: ‘You say we didn’t prepare well, but you were there. You’re not saying the truth, be honest.

‘You were right, it was my responsibility. Maybe I haven’t done my job well and that’s fine but please don’t talk about preparation.’