Around eight days back, Al Nassr coach Luis Castro successfully underwent surgery and left the hospital earlier than expected. Now he is back in business at the Riyadh club’s camp, taking back the coaching responsibilities from his assistant Vitor Severino. The head coach’s return gives a breather to Cristiano Ronaldo and others, as the Knights of Najd take on Al Khaleej at home in the King Cup of Champions semi-final today. To equip Al Nassr for the headline clash, Castro is reportedly arranging an additional training session for his players.

Saudi Arabian soccer journalist, Aymen Al-Tamimi, took to X and spread the word about Luis Castro’s tactical move. “Luis Castro imposes a mandatory camp for Al Nassr players before facing Al-Khaleej,” said Al Tamimi, via X99i3. Castro missed Al Nassr’s Saudi League games against Al Feiha and Al Khaleej because of his medical procedure. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. had earlier expected the Portuguese coach to return only after the upcoming Al Khaleej game. However, he’s back, and he’s summoning players for an additional camp, perhaps because he wasn’t in touch with the entourage during the last two games.

The Portuguese tactician seems quite right to force his players to go the extra mile. A second-seeded Al Nassr was tested by the 11th-seeded Al Khaleej in their last meeting. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side struggled and eventually registered a narrow 1-0 win. Ronaldo, notably misfired that night, despite having quite a few chances to get his name on the scoresheet. Now, it is paramount that the Riyadh club dominates Khaleej at home because only a win will rekindle their hopes for silverware this season. Speaking of silverware, the lack of one during his stint has put Luis Castro’s job in jeopardy at the Al Nassr camp.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s side might part ways with Castro, citing a titleless run

Luis Castro took over as Al Nassr coach in 2023. In pre-season, he led Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. to an Arab Club Champions Cup win. The title does not hold the same value as a Saudi League Cup, a Super Cup title, or an AFC Champions League title. This year, Castro and the mercurial Portuguese have blown their chances to win these three titles. On the back of this lackluster run, the Al Nassr front office is planning to show their coach the door at the end of this season, as per club legend Hussein Abdulghani.

Only time will tell if the yellow team’s chiefs will backtrack and keep Luis Castro and Cristiano Ronaldo together. The King Cup of Champions title will be Al Nasst’s asking price for that. Perhaps this additional training would help the Portuguese boss stay a bit longer. Fans would also want Ronaldo to snap last game’s ghosting and show up big in the knockout tie.