Abdulghani questions Ronaldo’s role in Al Nassr’s ‘disastrous’ Samu Costa signing

Al Nassr suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat by Al Ain in the opening round of the AFC Champions League Elite, producing a deeply disappointing performance that drew sharp criticism of manager Ange Postecoglou and the Saudi club’s players.

Former Al Nassr captain Hussein Abdulghani described the team’s display as “disastrous” and questioned why Postecoglou had set up his side in that manner from the start.

Abdulghani said Al Nassr had lacked many of the qualities required to compete effectively against a team of Al Ain’s stature. He also raised concerns over the space left in the Saudi side’s defence, which Al Ain exploited to decisive effect.

Speaking on the television programme Nadeena, Abdulghani criticised Al Nassr’s signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa, saying he could not see how the player could be compared with former Al Nassr midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.

He described the deal as “disastrous”, in a clear assessment of Costa’s performances since joining the club.

Abdulghani also suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo may have influenced the decision to sign the player.

“I believe Ronaldo was the one who chose this player in consultation with the sporting management,” he said.

He added: “I do not know why there is a preference for people of Portuguese nationality only,” referring to the number of Portuguese players involved in Al Nassr’s recent recruitment choices.

The former Al Nassr player’s criticism extended beyond Costa’s signing and focused on the team’s overall performance against Al Ain. He said the side had been missing almost everything needed in football, while Postecoglou’s approach from the opening stages had raised major questions.

The defensive gaps were particularly damaging, with Al Ain repeatedly finding room and making full use of it during the match.

Abdulghani warned that Al Nassr could face a difficult period unless the problems exposed in the defeat are addressed.

“The team will suffer greatly during the coming period,” he said, stressing that the club must use the current international break to study its mistakes and begin correcting them.

He called for a “major review” during the break, arguing that Al Nassr needed to reach its best possible level before returning to action.

The 4-0 loss to Al Ain, according to Abdulghani, had highlighted several issues requiring examination within the club. Those concerns cover both the team’s tactical and technical performance and the evaluation of some of the signings and decisions made by Al Nassr.