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Coaching Ronaldo attracted me to Al Nassr, Postecoglou says

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Interview Named sources New plan
  • Ange Postecoglou said the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo influenced his decision to join Al Nassr.
  • The Australian manager said working with Ronaldo fit his career-long desire to play a small part in the journeys of exceptional players.
  • Postecoglou has started the 2026-27 campaign unbeaten and was named Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month for August.

Cristiano Ronaldo was a major part of the attraction when Ange Postecoglou decided to take charge of Al Nassr. The Australian manager, appointed in July on a two-year contract, said the chance to contribute to the story of one of football’s greatest players appealed to him.

Speaking on the LiSTNR podcast The Howie Games, Postecoglou recalled that Ferenc Puskas coached him during his playing career. He described that association as meaningful because he saw himself as a small part of the Hungarian star’s story.

When I reflect on my career, what stands out for me is that I’ve been unbelievably blessed in being part of other people’s journeys.

· Ange PostecoglouThe Al Nassr manager explained why working with Ronaldo appealed to him.

“When I reflect on my career, what stands out for me is that I’ve been unbelievably blessed in being part of other people’s journeys,” Postecoglou said. He also pointed to his work with Australia great Tim Cahill and South Korean star Son Heung-min.

With the Socceroos, I worked with arguably our greatest ever player in Timmy Cahill, so I’m a small part of his story. Sonny, the greatest ever Korean player, I’m a small part of his story.

· Ange PostecoglouPostecoglou cited Cahill and Son Heung-min as players whose careers he has been part of.

“With the Socceroos, I worked with arguably our greatest ever player in Timmy Cahill, so I’m a small part of his story. Sonny, the greatest ever Korean player, I’m a small part of his story.”

Postecoglou said Ronaldo’s presence offered a similar opportunity. “So, there’s no doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s here; you kind of go, I can become a small part of his story as well.” He added that the attraction was not selfish, but connected to the path he had wanted to follow since childhood.

So, there’s no doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s here; you kind of go, I can become a small part of his story as well.

· Ange PostecoglouHe described Ronaldo’s presence at Al Nassr as part of the attraction of taking the job.

Postecoglou has begun the 2026-27 season unbeaten with Al Nassr and won the Saudi Pro League’s Manager of the Month award for August. He is now seeking to defend the club’s league title and pursue its first Asian Champions League Elite crown.

And not from a selfish point of view, but for my own kind of life’s journey, of everything I wanted to do since I was a kid, you get associated with these people on the way.

· Ange PostecoglouPostecoglou said the opportunity reflected his personal career ambitions rather than self-interest.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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