AL-HRAIFI REACTS TO COMAN’S DECISION NOT TO PASS TO RONALDO

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Former Al-Nassr star Fahd Al-Hraifi has criticised Kingsley Coman’s decision not to pass the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo during Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Al-Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

Coman sparked debate during the encounter after opting to finish a promising attacking move himself rather than pass to Ronaldo, who was in contention to receive the ball.

The incident reignited discussions about selfishness on the pitch and players’ desire to take the spotlight during crucial moments.

Speaking on the programme Dawrina Ghair, Al-Hraifi said he would have made a different decision if he had been in Coman’s position.

“When Coman broke clear in the attack, I said he wouldn’t pass it, but if I had been in his place, I would have passed it to Ronaldo,” he said.

However, Al-Hraifi acknowledged that Coman might have been motivated by his desire to establish himself in the Saudi league, adding that the winger appeared confident in his ability to score.

He also suggested that Coman might have thought Ronaldo was in an offside position.

“Coman is under pressure and is aiming to achieve stardom in the league. It seems he was more confident in himself and has a scoring instinct to find the net, and perhaps he thought Ronaldo was offside too,” Al-Hraifi added.

He further praised Ronaldo’s contribution, noting that the Portuguese captain maintained a positive attitude and made his presence felt during the match.

Ronaldo opened the scoring for Al-Nassr against Al-Diriyah, continuing his pursuit of the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Despite the controversy surrounding Coman’s decision, Ronaldo remained influential throughout the encounter, contributing to Al-Nassr’s comfortable victory.

The result further strengthened Al-Nassr’s push for the Saudi Pro League title as the club continues its campaign.