“Can you kick me out in just 45 minutes?” Ronaldo’s ‘anger’ stirs local reaction... Postecoglou’s super-sub sparks debate: “Has privilege ended?”

*This content was translated by AI.

'Superstar' Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al-Nassr) experienced something rarely seen. He was substituted at halftime after playing only 45 minutes. Locals have even begun asking whether "Ronaldo's privileges are finally coming to an end."

Arab football media Quora reported on the 27th (Korean time) that "Ronaldo's substitution at halftime in Al-Nassr's match against Al-Ettifaq was not merely a passing tactical decision."

Earlier, on the 26th, Al-Nassr secured a 3-2 away victory over Al-Ettifaq in Round 3 of the Saudi Pro League.

It was truly a dramatic comeback win. Al-Nassr found themselves at a numerical disadvantage after goalkeeper Bento was sent off in the first half and trailed 0-2 with two goals conceded. However, they scored three goals in the second half to turn the match around.

But more than the match result, one scene drew even greater attention.

It was Ange Postecoglou's bold decision as Al-Nassr manager. Familiar to domestic football fans for having coached Son Heung-min (LA FC) at Tottenham Hotspur in England, Postecoglou took charge of Al-Nassr this year.

Postecoglou allowed team captain Ronaldo to play only the first 45 minutes before substituting him at halftime.

Ronaldo is one of the greatest goal scorers in football history. Moreover, Al-Nassr was playing with ten men and trailing by two goals, making a goal absolutely essential.

Normally, one would have expected to rely on Ronaldo's decisive ability, but Postecoglou made a different choice.

Instead of Ronaldo, he brought on a midfielder. The decision prioritized activity levels and team balance needed to overcome the numerical disadvantage over individual decisiveness.

Local media also viewed this decision as highly significant. Quora explained that "at the moment when the team needed to change the flow of the match, Manager Postecoglou substituted Ronaldo for other players to restore balance," adding that "this scene brought up a question that had long been almost taboo."

The media asked, "Has Ronaldo now lost his privileges?" This implied whether Ronaldo's absolute status, which previously made it difficult to substitute him even when his performance was poor but goals were needed, might be changing.

Quora also delivered a cold assessment of Ronaldo's first-half performance. The outlet noted that "Ronaldo did not show sufficient activity to change Postecoglou's decision in the first half," pointing out that "he managed only two shots, with just one on target."

It further added, "What stood out more was his near absence during build-up play." It stated, "Ronaldo touched the ball only seven times during the first 45 minutes. He attempted five passes, completing three of them, but only one pass connected to an attacking area. He failed to create scoring opportunities for teammates and recorded no key passes."

Quora assessed that "Al-Nassr needed a player who could exert sustained influence throughout the match," but "Ronaldo did not demonstrate such influence during the first 45 minutes."

Postecoglou's gamble ultimately paid off. Al-Nassr, playing the second half without Ronaldo, scored three goals led by Sadio Mané's brace and others, completing a stunning turnaround from 0-2 down to a 3-2 victory.

Ronaldo's reaction also attracted attention. Especially when images surfaced showing him visibly angry at halftime, speculation arose that his relationship with Manager Postecoglou might have been strained.

In a post-match press conference following the incident, Postecoglou acknowledged that Ronaldo was indeed angry. He stated, "I understand Ronaldo's personality and why he was angry in the match against Al-Ettifaq," adding, "He was very angry at halftime."

However, he shook his head at interpretations suggesting Ronaldo's anger was directed at him or the substitution decision.

Postecoglou explained, "In this match, we intended to play Ronaldo for 45 minutes. In the previous match, he played 30 minutes. If we gradually increase his playing time, he will eventually be able to play a full match. For now, we believe it is possible for him to play 45 minutes until he regains his fitness."

He further emphasized that he is evaluating Ronaldo as an "outstanding player" and is progressively increasing his playing time in stages.

Despite the possibility of discord, he drew a clear line once again. Postecoglou said, "After the match, Ronaldo led the players in the locker room to celebrate the victory." He added, "Ronaldo is a passionate player who loves football and is very happy at Al-Nassr as well."

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*This content was translated by AI.