Postecoglou praises Ronaldo and Al-Hamdan partnership after Al Nassr win

Ange Postecoglou said Al Nassr responded positively to their disappointing defeat by Al-Ittihad as they beat Abha 2-1 in the Roshn Saudi League.

The victory came at Al-Awwal Park on Wednesday in the sixth round of the competition, four days after Al Nassr lost 2-1 to Al-Ittihad in the previous round’s Clasico at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah.

“The most important thing is that we won. The last match was frustrating, even though our performance was good,” Postecoglou said at his post-match news conference, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

The Australian manager said the result showed the resilience of a squad that has faced a series of difficulties this season.

“We have won six of our seven matches, and I think we have proven ourselves. We have faced many challenges that we have suffered from this season, and we also had injuries in the 80th minute, so I give credit to the players,” he added.

Postecoglou felt Al Nassr had controlled much of the game against Abha, although he acknowledged there were still aspects of their play that required work.

“Today you saw that we controlled the game and created chances, but there are still some details that need to be improved,” he said.

The manager also addressed Abha’s goal, which reduced Al Nassr’s advantage during the match.

“Regarding the goal we conceded, it would have been enough to have only one player in the wall. We were all frustrated because of the goal, but I do not think that is a bad thing,” said Postecoglou.

With Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman unavailable, Postecoglou selected a front two of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Saudi Arabia forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan. He was pleased with the attacking partnership and said the team’s limited options had influenced his tactical decision.

“Every match is different, and our squad is limited, so it is natural for us to change the system. I think Al-Hamdan and Cristiano had a good match today, and it was a good option for us,” he said.

Postecoglou added that Al Nassr’s approach had also been shaped by Ayman Yahya’s fitness.

“Our way of playing today was different. Ayman Yahya was not 100% fit and did not have the ability to play a full match,” he explained.

The coach also insisted that midfielder Sami Al-Naji would receive his opportunity, despite Al Nassr having fewer players than some of their rivals.

“Sami Al-Naji is a good player and he will get his chance to play. If we compare the number of our players with other clubs, we have fewer, but I have confidence in the players we have,” Postecoglou said.

He highlighted the progress of younger members of the squad, including Haider Abdulkarim and Rakan Al-Ghamdi, saying competition in training would help determine when they featured.

“We have good young players, such as Haider and Rakan. Everyone trains with us every day, and there is competition between them. There may be some circumstances, but for me, everyone will get their opportunity,” he added.

Postecoglou concluded by stressing the unity within the club.

“We are a club that works together. With the pace available to us, we are trying to achieve the best possible result with Al Nassr. We are a family and we do everything together. The club is truly united,” he said.

The win moved Al Nassr to 15 points, leaving them second in the Roshn Saudi League standings on goal difference behind leaders Al Hilal and ahead of third-placed Al-Qadsiah.