Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al-Nassr's squad for the AFC Champions League Elite fourth-round match against Pakhtakor on Monday. In the pre-match press conference, Ange Postecoglou said Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan were rested.
Coach explains selection
Postecoglou said: "I decided to rest Ronaldo, Coman and Simakan, given the congestion of matches and the frequency of travel."
Comments on the team's condition
Postecoglou said: "Despite the difficult start, the preparation conditions and the lack of complete readiness at the beginning of the season, we have now reached an excellent stage, and through tomorrow's match we aim to confirm that."
Focus on the competition
Postecoglou said: "The tournament is important to us, and we here know very well what we want to achieve."
Match context
GOAL said Al-Nassr beat Al-Wasl 3-1, before losing 3-1 to Al-Shamal. GOAL said Al-Nassr wanted a positive result against Pakhtakor to strengthen their standing in the West Group.
