Cristiano Ronaldo may not have taken the field for Al Nassr’s opening game of the Saudi Pro League season, but the Portuguese superstar still made his presence felt as Ange Postecoglou’s side made the perfect start to their new campaign.
After what Postecoglou admitted had been a difficult pre-season, Al Nassr opened their campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh, with both their new coach and absent captain delivering passionate messages to the players.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Ronaldo was among those firing up his teammates before kick-off despite not featuring in the match.
“Passion… play, play, play, play, play,” Ronaldo told the group.
“First game is always the difficult one.”
Postecoglou then delivered his own rallying cry as he prepared for his first league game in charge of the Saudi giants.
“First step, new journey,” Postecoglou said.
“First step, make it stronger.
“Chest out, personality.
“Show everyone what we are about.”
His players certainly responded.
Al Nassr cruised to a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh to begin the new season with three points and give Postecoglou the perfect response following a challenging build-up to the campaign.
And the Australian coach was quick to acknowledge the performance when he addressed his players following the win.
“We haven’t had an easy pre-season,” Postecoglou said.
“The first game is always difficult anyway, but your attitude, your discipline and the quality of your football was outstanding.
“Everybody.”
The result provides an encouraging first step for Postecoglou as he looks to put his stamp on Al Nassr after taking charge of a squad headlined by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo.
There will be little time for Al Nassr to celebrate their opening victory, however.
Postecoglou’s side will now turn its attention to the King’s Cup, where it faces Diriyah in the Round of 32 at 4am AEST on Wednesday.
After a difficult pre-season, Postecoglou demanded his players show exactly “what we are about”.
Their first answer was an emphatic one.