Al‑Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou said on Friday he will not comment on the dispute between Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s national team, insisting his focus remains on the striker’s fitness ahead of the Saudi Pro League clash with Al‑Diriyah.
**Key points**
- When questioned at a pre‑match press conference, Postecoglou refused to discuss the national‑team issue, noting it falls under another coach’s jurisdiction.
- He affirmed that Ronaldo has returned in good physical and mental condition, ready to resume club duties.
- The manager recalled his own experience coaching national sides and explained he dislikes club coaches commenting on national‑team affairs.
- Ronaldo is expected to start in Friday’s league encounter against Al‑Diriyah.
- Al‑Nassr currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 16 points from seven games, two points behind leaders Al Hilal and one behind second‑placed Al Ittihad.
Why did Postecoglou avoid the topic?
Postecoglou emphasized that, as a club manager, he prefers to stay out of discussions that belong to the national‑team coach, Jorge Jesus, especially after the recent public disagreement between the Portuguese forward and the Portugal national team manager.
What is Ronaldo’s status?
According to the coach, Ronaldo is mentally and physically ready for competition, a sentiment echoed by the Al‑Riyadh newspaper’s report on X (formerly Twitter). The forward’s return to Al‑Nassr follows the end of the international break.
How does this affect Al‑Nassr’s campaign?
The club aims to translate Ronaldo’s fitness into results as they chase domestic and continental success this season. Their recent record of five wins, one draw and one loss keeps them within striking distance of the league leaders.
[Al‑Nassr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Nassr_FC) continue to rely on the veteran forward while navigating the fallout from the Portugal controversy. [Cristiano Ronaldo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo) remains a central figure, and the ongoing tension with the [Portugal national team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal_national_football_team) is expected to stay off‑field. The upcoming fixture is part of the [Saudi Pro League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Professional_League) schedule.