Cristiano Ronaldo’s angry gesture aimed at Al-Nassr team-mates during a Super Cup final defeat may end up costing Luis Castro his job.
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More silverware slipped out of reachPortuguese star cut a frustrated figureChange in the dugout now being mootedGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Serious questions are being asked of the man in the dugout following a second-half capitulation against Al-Hilal. Ronaldo had put Al-Nassr in front as they sought to land major silverware at the start of the 2024-25 campaign, but the Portuguese ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
All four of those goals were scored in a stunning 17-minute passage of play, with Ronaldo clearly frustrated with the effort, or lack of, being put in by those around him. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was caught on camera making lewd gestures to his colleagues.
GettyWHAT CASTRO'S AGENT SAID
It is now being claimed that head coach Castro, who took charge of Al-Nassr in July 2023, could be relieved of his duties. His representative, Antonio Teixeira, has told as speculation rages: “We were not informed of anything about not continuing. Castro has a passion to achieve championships with the team during the new season, and he was not successful in the Super Cup, but I do not know anything about the others and whether they want to achieve championships or not.”
WHAT NEXT?
Change is being mooted with the new Saudi Pro League season yet to get underway. Ronaldo and Co are due to face Al-Raed in their opener on Thursday. It remains to be seen who will be at the helm and overseeing more bids for major honours by the time all-time great CR7 returns to the field.