POSTECOGLOU REVEALS RONALDO FACTOR BEHIND AL NASSR MOVE

Al Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the opportunity to work with Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the major attractions behind his decision to take charge of the Saudi Pro League club.

The Australian manager, who was appointed in July on a two-year contract, made the revelation while speaking on The Howie Games podcast. After spending recent years managing in European football, including spells with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou admitted that the chance to become part of Ronaldo’s extraordinary career made the move to Saudi Arabia particularly appealing.

Postecoglou explained that throughout his career he has been fortunate to work with several outstanding football figures, and he sees his relationship with Ronaldo as another opportunity to learn from and contribute to the career of an exceptional player.

“There’s no doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s here, you kind of go, I can become a small part of his story as well. That was part of the attraction,” the 61-year-old coach said.

The Portuguese superstar is now approaching another major milestone, with his career goal tally closing in on 1,000. Postecoglou believes Ronaldo remains extremely driven despite being 41 and said the forward still has clearly defined targets he wants to accomplish before bringing his playing career to an end.

According to the Al Nassr manager, Ronaldo’s mentality is also one of the qualities that makes coaching him attractive. Postecoglou noted that elite players generally understand the level of work required to remain successful and do not need to be constantly pushed by their managers.

He said great players are usually highly motivated and focused, adding that their commitment to maintaining their standards can actually make a coach’s job easier. Postecoglou therefore sees Ronaldo’s presence not simply as a responsibility but also as an opportunity to absorb some of the mentality that has sustained the Portuguese forward at the highest level for so many years.

The former Tottenham boss also praised Ronaldo’s professionalism and determination, particularly as the veteran continues his pursuit of the 1,000-goal landmark. Reaching the figure would represent another extraordinary achievement in a career that has already produced five Ballon d’Or awards, numerous domestic titles and Champions League success.

Postecoglou’s arrival at Al Nassr has also begun positively. The Saudi champions have made a strong start to the 2026–27 campaign, winning their opening competitive fixtures under the Australian. His early performances were rewarded with the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month award for August.

With Ronaldo leading the attack and Postecoglou now responsible for the team, Al Nassr are targeting another Saudi Pro League title while also hoping to make a serious challenge for continental honours. The club will next face Al Ittihad on September 5 as Postecoglou looks to maintain his impressive start in Saudi Arabia.