Al Nassr’s coach expresses concern over the club’s limited ‘financial resources’
Al Nassr’s head coach Jorge Jesus has stated that his squad needs to discover methods to offset their lack of “economic power” to overcome high-spending rivals Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
The 2-0 victory over Al-Fateh on Saturday allowed Al Nassr to keep the pressure on league leaders Al Hilal and also marked the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The captain of Al Nassr had been absent from the last two league matches as a form of protest regarding the insufficient financial backing Al Nassr received from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund during the last transfer window, especially in comparison to Al Hilal, who acquired Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
“I have previously been at Al Hilal,” Jorge Jesus remarked.
“I have experienced the other side, so I understand what that entails. I have already gained from it. They possess greater economic resources. During my time there, I benefited as a coach. It’s typical. Al Nassr, with different resources, must strive for the top positions. We need to remain resilient.”
Jorge Jesus, who led Al Hilal to the league title, the Saudi Kings Cup, and the Super Cup in 2024 during his second tenure at the club, joined Al Nassr last summer with significant aspirations.
“That is why I was brought in, to narrow the gap between Al Hilal and Al Nassr in terms of titles and points,” the Portuguese coach explained.
“And that is what we are accomplishing. We have a great deal of faith in Al Nassr’s framework, a framework that is gradually achieving a better balance within the group.
“This includes not only the players on the field but also a team off the field, a group that is aware of the challenges, a team that understands it will be competing against opponents with greater economic resources, rather than sporting strength.”
Ronaldo, 41, has yet to secure a significant trophy since joining Al Nassr in December 2022 after departing from Manchester United.
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He has been the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League for the past two seasons and currently ranks as the second leading scorer this season, just two goals behind Ivan Toney of Al-Ahli.
Al Nassr sits in second place in the standings, trailing Al Hilal by one point.
“We are in the title race, just one point behind the leaders, something Al Nassr has struggled to achieve,” he noted.
“In recent years, Al Nassr has finished 16 or 14 points behind the top. This year, we aim to avoid that; I cannot predict what will happen.
“We are confident in our ability to compete for the top positions until the conclusion.”
