Pinto Stays Put, Mane Delivers: Al Nassr Keeps the Momentum

Keeper Pinto Stays in Frame

The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus has addressed the future of one of Al Nassr's goalkeepers after rumors of a winter exit.

Al Nassr had secured a precious 1-0 victory over Al Taawoun in Round 18 of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.

In the post-match press conference, Jesus said that Pinto will stay with the club until the end of the season, and that the club also has Nawaf Al-Aqidi, which gives the team options in goal.

The choice on who plays depends on match circumstances; the coach highlighted the quality of the squad and the importance of securing the win above all else.

He also noted the positive impact of Mane's return, with Mane and Semakan coming back from injury and strengthening the team, though Semakan showed some fatigue in the latest game.

Regarding the absence of Brazilian Angelo Gabriel, the coach explained that the selection is based on the demands of each match, and his absence was purely a tactical decision.

This victory marks the third in a row for Al Nassr, lifting their points tally to 40 and placing them in second, tied with Al Ahli Jeddah and five points behind the leaders Al Hilal.

Punchlines: Pinto's job security is stronger than a kingdom’s crest, and Mane's return has the defense squinting at the sun of goals. If patience were a sport, Pinto would win the league. Mane back, and the bench wonders if the WiFi is faster in the locker room than on the pitch.