“Bench him or nothing changes” - Al-Nassr fans unhappy as Stefano Pioli names 30-year-old alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in line-up vs Al-Ettifaq

Al-Nassr fans are unimpressed with newly appointed coach Stefano Pioli. The Italian named Anderson Talisca alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting line-up against Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. The match is currently ongoing at Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium.

Talisca, who joined Al Nassr from Guangzhou FC in 2021, has scored 70 goals and provided 10 assists in 91 appearances across competitions for the Saudi club. Despite boasting impressive numbers, the Brazilian has often come under criticism from the supporters.

Fans flooded social media with posts sharing their opinions on Pioli's decision to include Talisca in Al-Nassr's starting XI against Al-Ettifaq.

Here are some of their reactions on X:

One fan wrote:

"Bench Talisca or nothing changes."

Another added:

"What is Talisca still doing there"

"😭😭 Talisca😭😭," chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"Khaibari & Talisca 🤢🤢"

Another tweeted:

"Sell Talisca 😡"

"Hope is Talisca's last match," posted another.

One user wrote:

"Taliscancer starting cba😪"

While another wrote:

"I like it next game instead of talisca brozo"

Talisca has recorded two goals in six appearances in all competitions this season.

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Al-Nassr CEO opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo's influence on the club

Al-Nassr CEO Guido Fienga spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo's influence on the club since his arrival in 2023. The Real Madrid legend's transfer to the Saudi Pro League club led to several prominent names, including Neymar and Karim Benzema, moving to the league.

Fienga highlighted the Portuguese icon's leadership skills while clarifying that the 39-year-old does not dictate the club's decisions. He said (via Al Nassr Zone):

"Ronaldo is the leader and he is the strongest in the world. Ronaldo does not control Al Nassr and knows our directions. Ronaldo teaches us how to win."

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 62 goals and provided 17 assists in 69 games across competitions for Al-Nassr. He has helped them win the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.

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