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Jesus: Al Nassr Aren't in Crisis — Football Just Won't Play Fair

30 December 2025

Jesus: Al Nassr Aren't in Crisis — Football Just Won't Play Fair
Jorge Jesus speaks to reporters after the draw in the Saudi Pro League

Match Snapshot

The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus of Al Nassr spoke after his team's 2-2 draw with Al Ettifaq in the second round of the Roshen Pro League.

Al Nassr failed to protect a two-goal lead, as the Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum scored the equalizer for both sides, handing the team their first points of the campaign.

Coach's Post-Match Remarks

In a post-match press conference, Jesus called the match entertaining and among the season's best for Al Nassr, noting that domination does not always translate into victory and that the statistics were largely in their favor.

The most important thing, he added, is that they did not lose because their opponents performed well and counter-attacked; they will return to Riyadh and prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Jesus also expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the numerous opportunities they created, rejecting the view that Al Nassr needed a dramatic shake-up, arguing that in all games they have won except one they benefited from competitive play.

Regarding Saad Al-Nasser's comeback after his absence, the coach asked whether his involvement cost the team two points, noting that Saad played in the previous match, they won, and that he, as coach, is best placed to know who is most ready.

Speaking about attacking options, he asked whether there is anyone better than Ronaldo, Wesley, Joao and Koman, and asserted that the side plays with full force and that substitutes cannot be better than the starters.

At the end of the press conference, the coach expressed frustration at what he saw as questions doubting his players' abilities, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, insisting that such questions should not be directed at a team that has won every match and drawn one.

Punchline 1: Two goals up and still drama—that’s football for you: even the scoreboard wants its own laugh track.

Punchline 2: If football is a stand-up routine, the encore would be a microphone drop right after the ref blows the whistle.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the match result and who scored for the opposition?

Al Nassr drew 2-2 with Al Ettifaq, with Georginio Wijnaldum scoring the equalizer for the opponents.

What did Jorge Jesus say about the team’s performance?

He praised the entertaining nature of the game, the team’s domination, and said the statistics were in their favor, stressing that not losing is the key takeaway.

What about squad depth and attacking options?

He discussed Saad Al-Nasser’s return and referenced attacking options, stressing the team plays with full force and that substitutes should not be seen as better than the starters.