The former Man United player is in danger of missing out on winning any silverware this season
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media in the aftermath of Al-Nassr losing to Saudi Pro League title rivals Al-Ittihad to post a series of workout photos captioned with a cryptic message.
The former Manchester United player captained his new club to a second defeat in Jeddah since arriving in Saudi Arabia. Romarinho scored the only goal of the game as former Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Nuno Espírito Santo’s side leapfrogged their Riyadh rivals into top spot.
Al-Ittihad also knocked Al-Nassr out of the Saudi Super Cup in January. One point now separates the two teams atop the table two-thirds of the way through the season with ten matches remaining, and Ronaldo has now stressed focus on what matters for the run-in.
“Focus on the outcome, not the obstacles,” Ronaldo posted across his social media channels alongside images of the player doing a series of weight workouts while wearing Al-Nassr branded training attire. It is not the first time he has called for focus in the aftermath of this latest defeat either.
In its immediate aftermath, Ronaldo made his feelings clear. “Disappointed with the result, but we stay focused on our season and the games ahead,” he posted. “Thank you Al Nassr fans for your support, we know we can count on you!”
Al-Nassr are next in action as soon as Tuesday when they resume their King Cup campaign with a quarter-final against Abha. Should they advance to the final four and then overcome the winners of Al-Hilal versus Al-Fateh, then they could be on a collision course to meet Al-Ittihad for a fourth time this season in the competition’s final.
‘Waste of time’ – Southampton manager gives verdict on Casemiro red card for Manchester United
Erik ten Hag was critical of the Premier League officiating after the Brazilian midfielder received his second red card for Man United
Southampton manager Ruben Selles said it was a waste of time talking about the officials when asked about Casemiro’s red card for Manchester United on Sunday.
The VAR-assisted dismissal was a big turning point in the clash at Old Trafford as United had to settle for a share of the spoils. Initially, Casemiro was shown a yellow card by Anthony Taylor for a challenge on Carlos Alcaraz.
However, Taylor was called to the monitor and upon reflection decided to upgrade the booking to a straight red. After the match, Erik ten Hag was critical of the officials for their decision-making.
He said: “What I think is the inconsistency, players don’t know anymore what is the policy. We see it with Premier League yesterday: Leicester-Chelsea, the VAR is not coming on the line.
“Today, it’s coming on the line. And then it’s two penalty situations, but they don’t come on the line.
“Especially the first one, it was clear and obvious handball, so what is the policy?” The Dutchman then added: “Casemiro is across European games, over 500 games he never had a red card. Now he has two.
“Think about that. He plays tough but he plays fair.
“And also in this, he’s playing fair, same as against Crystal Palace, so it’s very debatable. Everyone who knows something about football, you know, and of course, when you freeze it, it looks bad.
“But everyone who knows something about football, who was acting on top football, they know what is bad, what isn’t bad and what is fair. And I tell you: Casemiro is a really fair player. Tough, but fair.”
Speaking to Hampshire Live at full-time, Selles was a lot more diplomatic with his response when asked about the officials. He said: “I got a look at it but I don’t want to speak about the referee’s performance.
“I think it’s a waste of time. The referee makes a decision, sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it doesn’t, that’s it.”
