Al Hilal Boss Plays ‘Mind Games’ With Cristiano Ronaldo & Al Nassr Before Saudi Super League Clash, Fans React

A Saudi Arabian classic is just hours away. Al Nassr and Al Hilal meet for the third time this season in a winner-takes-all Riyadh derby. The winner of this headline clash will face either Al Ittihad or Al Wehda in the Saudi Super Cup final. Notably, Al Hilal has outclassed Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. in their previous meetings this season. Nonetheless, Al Hilal’s head coach Jorge Jesus sounded less confident about facing Al Nassr in the Super Cup semi-final in a pre-game presser. Jesus’ words surprisingly hinted that the Saudi League toppers are prepared for a loss against Ronaldo’s side.

Anyhow, fans are not buying Jorge Jesus’ seemingly humble remarks. Fans think the Portuguese coach and his entourage are cunningly trying to get in the heads of Al Nassr’s coach and players.

Many skeptical over Jesus’ humble claims about facing Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr

Al Hilal is on a 35-game winning streak. Jorge Jesus has now said his team will soon snap the triumphant streak. “One day the winning streak will stop, and this is not a championship for us,” said Jesus implying it is not paramount for Al Hilal to win against their Cristiano Ronaldo-led domestic rivals. “If we lose to Al Nassr, it will not affect the rest of the tournaments in which we participate,” Jesus added. Indeed, a loss against Al Nassr won’t cost much for the team in blue.

Firstly, Al Hilal tops the Saudi Pro League table, 12 points clear of Al Nassr. Hence, Jesus’ team has almost secured the Saudi League silverware, while more than a month of action remains. Furthermore, Al Hilal features in heavyweight competitions such as the AFC Champions League, awaiting a semi-final against Al Ain. Meanwhile, Al Nassr got knocked out of the competition earlier. So Jesus saying a loss against Al Nassr won’t hurt his side is no surprise.

However, Saudi Pro League fans have taken Jesus’ claims with a pinch of salt. This is perhaps because fans know that the blue team seldom compromises against the team in yellow. The former had ousted Al Nassr 3-0 in their first Saudi League meeting of the season. Then again Al Nassr suffered a 2-0 defeat to lose the Riyadh Season Cup to Jesus and Co. So, quite a lot of fans believe the Portuguese boss is playing ‘mind games’ to contain Cristiano Ronaldo’s entourage. These are some of the fans’ responses on X.

This user knew it all the way.

Different fan, same conviction.

This user is not a fan of Jorge Jesus downplaying a clash against the mighty Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.

READ MORE: Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United Star Reveals the Special Gift She Received From the Al Nassr Captain

Some think Luis Castro’s side could make the best of Jesus’ doubts.

A fan almost sees through the Portuguese coach’s seemingly humble remarks, exposing his attempt to get on rival’s heads.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo & Al Nassr Faces Roadblock at Training for Al Hilal Game, Luis Castro Confirms

Mind games are exposed again.

Do you think Al Nassr would finally win against Al Hilal? Tell us in the comments.