Luis Castro, the esteemed head coach of Al Nassr, recently found himself in a heated exchange with a journalist during a press conference. This tension-filled moment unfolded as the team prepared for their crucial AFC Champions League group stage match against Al Duhail.
Initially, the conversation took a sharp turn when the journalist inquired about the notable absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the upcoming game. Castro, taken aback by the implication of his decision-making, responded with a pointed question, “How did you know that I decided to rest Ronaldo?!” He emphasized his consistent respect for the media but insisted on mutual respect, suggesting that the media should not jump to conclusions about his managerial choices.
Furthermore, Luis Castro clarified that Ronaldo’s omission was not a strategic decision but a necessary one due to the player’s physical readiness. He elaborated that Ronaldo had participated in a match only two days prior and had also been involved in a demanding cup game that extended into extra time. Consequently, this wasn’t an isolated incident of Ronaldo missing a match due to physical constraints.
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لويس #كاسترو مدرب #النصر السعودي ينفعل بعد سؤاله حول سبب غياب #رونالدو عن مباراة #الدحيل في #دوري_أبطال_آسيا pic.twitter.com/D78ZStNENQ— قنوات الكاس (@AlkassTVSports) November 6, 2023
Subsequently, Castro acknowledged the fans’ eagerness to witness Ronaldo in action, yet he pointed out that Al Nassr boasts numerous talented players and such scenarios are part and parcel of the football world.
In the aftermath of his passionate response, Castro extended an apology to the journalist, admitting a misinterpretation of the initial question. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the intense scrutiny and pressure that football coaches like Castro face, where every decision is under the microscope, and the absence of high-profile players like Ronaldo can significantly amplify the emotional stakes.
