Al Nassr legend Fahad Al-Herifi criticises team and offers Cristiano Ronaldo advice

Al Nassr legend Fahad Al-Herifi has criticised the team’s performances despite their challenge to local rivals Al Hilal at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

Speaking on the SBC programme Dawrina Ghair, Al-Herifi said the side were suffering from a lack of discipline and a clear weakness in midfield.

“There is complacency and a lack of discipline, and there is an obvious flaw in the team, particularly after they failed to sign a player for the number six position,” he said.

Al-Herifi also questioned the decision to allow Marcelo Brozovic to leave, arguing that the Croatia midfielder had made a significant contribution to the team before his departure.

“Brozovic represented 20% of the team’s strength, but he left and they signed a player who is less capable than him, Samu Costa,” he said. “Kingsley Coman’s performances are also below the level he showed last season.”

Al Nassr’s position was placed under further scrutiny after their 2-1 victory over Abha on Wednesday in the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League. Despite the win, Al-Herifi said the team had failed to respond properly to Al Ittihad’s defeat and had not shown enough energy or creativity.

“I believe Al Nassr’s situation is dangerous,” he said. “Although the difference in quality was clear against Abha, who had only one point, the team did not take advantage of Al Ittihad’s defeat by showing greater enthusiasm and spirit or by creating chances.”

He added that Al Nassr had appeared complacent and disconnected during the match, allowing Abha to create four chances.

“Instead, we saw a degree of complacency, arrogance and selfishness, as well as too much space between the lines,” Al-Herifi said. “Abha created four chances for the first time, something they had not managed against other teams who were less strong than Al Nassr, the league champions.”

Al-Herifi also directed advice towards Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the opening goal in the victory over Abha.

The former Al Nassr player urged Ronaldo to conserve the effort he spends outside the penalty area and focus more on his movement and positioning closer to goal.

“I hope Ronaldo saves the effort he uses when receiving and passing the ball outside the penalty area, and instead uses it inside the box to read the play, make runs across the defence and move without the ball,” he said.

Al Nassr are second in the Saudi Pro League standings with 15 points, level on points with leaders Al Hilal but behind them on goal difference. Al Qadsiah are third.