"I am happy with his level" - Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli backs Cristiano Ronaldo amid recent goalscoring struggles
Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli has backed superstar Cristiano Ronaldo amid his recent goalscoring struggles. The Portuguese legend has failed to score in his last two league games for the Knights of Najd.
Ronaldo’s mini-goal drought continued in Al-Nassr's recent league win. The Riyadh-based club defeated Al-Riyadh 1-0 on Friday, November 8. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was named in the starting XI by Pioli but fired a blank. Sadio Mane’s 41st-minute strike secured a sixth league win for Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo also failed to get on the scoresheet in his side’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal on November 1. However, he was on target in their 5-1 win over Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite on November 5.
Speaking after the clash with Al-Riyadh, manager Pioli commented on Cristiano Ronaldo's mini goal drought. He lauded the 39-year-old’s effort in the team and claimed he was happy with his performance.
“Ronaldo is a great player, and I am very happy with the level he is performing with the team,” Pioli said (via ysscores.com).
“Ronaldo is doing a great job, and I am happy with his level. Even if you don't register. We have a good group of players who can make the difference and score, “ the manager added.
Pioli was appointed head coach of the club after Luis Castro's sacking in September. Under his tutelage, Al-Nassr have recorded nine wins, two draws, and a loss from 12 games. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has netted 10 times and created three assists in 15 games across competitions this season.
Al-Nassr will next play Al-Qadisiyah in the league on November 22 after the international break. The Knights of Najd are third in the league standings with 22 points, six points behind table toppers Al-Hilal
Cristiano Ronaldo invited to Portugal national team for November internationals
The Portuguese icon has been handed a call-up to the national team by coach Roberto Martinez for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Selecao will clash with Poland at home on November 15, before facing Croatia away three days later.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored against Poland (3-1) but fired a blank versus Scotland (0-0) during October’s international break. He will look to lead Portugal to victories this time around and add to his 908 career goal tally.
The 39-year-old is Portugal’s record appearance holder (216) and all-time international goalscorer (133).