Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has firmly rejected suggestions that his attacking line operates more effectively in the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Australian tactician defended his absent talisman after watching his side cruise to a comprehensive 6-2 AFC Champions League Elite victory away at Uzbek outfit Pakhtakor.
Former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has admitted that the high standard of competition in the Saudi Pro League caught him off guard following his move to Al-Hilal. Despite spending years testing himself in England's top flight, the 30-year-old forward has been impressed by the technical and physical demands of Middle Eastern football.
The long-standing feud between Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited after the former Manchester United manager launched a scathing assessment of the Portuguese icon’s decline. Reflecting on their turbulent time together at Old Trafford, the Dutchman suggested that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been unable to perform at the highest level for several years.