Ronaldo-Messi showdown slammed by Cristiano’s new manager

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new head coach Rudi Garcia has hit out at the timing of the match billed as the Portugal legend’s Al-Nassr debut, claiming that it “could have been better thought out”.

Ronaldo has yet to turn out for his new club because of suspension, watching from the sidelines as goals from Talisca secured a 2-0 win over Al-Ta’ee on Friday.

He will also miss the Saudi Pro League match against Al-Shabab on 14 January as a result of a two-match ban carried over from his time with Manchester United.

MORE: When will Ronaldo make his Al-Nassr debut?

Instead, Ronaldo will play his first match in Saudi Arabia against PSG in a friendly clash on 19 January, which has been billed as his debut for Al-Nassr but in reality is not because Al-Hilal players will also be selected for the glamour friendly designed to show off the best of the league.

Interest in the match is sure to be high as it will pit Ronaldo against his old adversary Lionel Messi, with the pair having enjoyed a career-long rivalry that has enthralled football fans across the world.

MORE: Man Utd's 'Ronaldo rule' to limit salaries

But while it is an encounter that neutrals are excited about, Garcia is not so impressed.

“It’s not under Al-Nassr’s jersey,” Garcia confirmed. “It’s a mix between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

“As coach of Al-Nassr, I can’t be happy with this match.

“For development, to see PSG, to see the great Parisian players, it’s actually a good thing. But we have a league match three days later. In terms of the scheduling, it could have been better thought out. But it’s not the end of the world.

“The main thing is that it shows how keen Saudi Arabia is on sports and football. In Saudi Arabia, there are fans in the stadiums, the Saudis are passionate about sport, and so it's a real competition.

“There are seven foreign players per team, all of a very, very good level. We are in the lead, we are happy. It's a difficult championship to win, but we intend to do it.”

Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr debut confirmed

Garcia, meanwhile, has confirmed when Ronaldo will first be seen in his new colours.

“It won’t be the next game against Al-Shabab on Saturday, which is a big game, because he is still suspended,” the coach said. “It will be against Al-Ettifaq, at home, on 22 January.”