Massive changes from Al Nassr’s head coach, Luis Castro, frustrated the fans, which sparked widespread debates by netizens. Heading into the game against Damac, he rested Cristiano Ronaldo alongside other top players hoping to provide them with some rest before the Al Hilal game. However, this did not sit well with the Knights of Najd’s fans, who took to social media to bash the manager for his decision.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his team are currently 12 points behind league toppers, Al Hilal and have no breathing room to slip up. With water up to their necks, fans want the manager to bring out his finest players day in and out in hopes of keeping the title race alive. With the ongoing game against Damac, currently leaning toward a draw, fans missed the chance to point out Luis Castro’s mistake with some calling for him to be sacked!
While fan outrage is somewhat understandable, Al Nassr has little or no chance of winning the Saudi Pro League this season. Risking your top players against a mid-table side makes no sense from the manager’s perspective, who wants to keep them fresh for the cup tie against Al Hilal. Yet, fans didn’t buy it!
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Al Nassr fans slam Luis Castro for benching Cristiano Ronaldo
It seems like Luis Castro has made himself a public enemy after benching Cristiano Ronaldo during the Damac game. A vast majority of fans have rebelled against the manager’s decision, calling it a stupid decision. While a few fans have tried to defend the manager, the outrage outweighs the support for Luis Castro.
One fan pointed out the difference between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, adding the table toppers always play their best players despite a 12-point lead. He then nailed his point further by labeling the Al Nassr head coach a joke.
Look at Hilal. They play the same players every game they don’t rest anybody even with a 12 point lead. Joke manager
— JD skillz 🇩🇰 (@JD24DK) April 5, 2024
Another fan claimed that the Al Nassr head coach is trying to sabotage the team by benching Cristiano Ronaldo and should be sacked.
What the hell is wrong with Luis Castro? Why is he actively sabotaging Al Nassr? Sack this POS https://t.co/aJuJlyv61x
— Nella 🌸 (@Anella_v) April 5, 2024
One fan took things to the extreme, asking other supporters to help him find a way to smack Castro for benching Cristiano Ronaldo.
@TheNassrZone help me give Luis Castro 12 resounding slaps wtf. He benched the 🐐😭😭 https://t.co/bvYT8OiGuW
— The Real Madridista (@y6480391549742) April 5, 2024
Another fan claimed to have no interest in the game unless the Al Nassr skipper took to the field.
We are not watching till Ronaldo get in the match
— ISREAL iron hand ✋ (@RichiesIgh11221) April 5, 2024
One fan claimed that Al Nassr’s decision to rest their top players could turn out to be a massive gamble on the manager’s behalf.
Resting both Ronaldo and Mane, while Talisca is not available it's a gamble 🤔.
— Wonder Mkenyana (@MkenyanaWonder) April 5, 2024
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While another fan claimed that Al Nassr’s team management is scared of Al Hilal and wants all their players fit for the game.
Al Nassr is so scared from Al Hilal that they are resting all the main players.
Next Al Hilal match: pic.twitter.com/Hderz5Lk3T
— . (@_g000111) April 5, 2024
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As of writing, Al Nassr has failed to penetrate through Damac’s defense with 80 minutes played into the contest. A draw from this game could put Al Nassr’s title hopes to bed, with the team on their way to securing a comfortable 3-1 win over Al-Khaleej. Do you think Luis Castro’s decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo cost Al Nassr the game? Let us know in the comments below.