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Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s Motivation, Sadio Mane Feels ‘Ashamed’ of His Al Nassr Performances- “Do or Die”

Published 03/09/2024, 1:59 PM EST

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Al Nassr has slowly moved away from the track in the Saudi Pro League. The club has dropped important points with a loss and a draw in their last two games of the league making it a herculean task to catch up with Al Hilal. Subsequently, it led to Cristiano Ronaldo posting a picture on Instagram to lift the team’s spirit. However, Sadio Mane on the other hand was only left with disappointment after a subpar season.

Al Nassr lost to Al Raed 1-3 after both Ronaldo and Mane went blank, leaving the club 12 points below the table toppers. But Mane being distraught after the game doesn’t feel proud of his time on the pitch. According to reports, Mane said, “I am ashamed of my level, but I promise you that Monday’s match is life or death for me and we will win it for you.” The Senegalese player has now promised to deliver in their next game.

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Al Nassr is in its most ambitious season so far. After revolutionizing soccer in the Middle East by bringing Cristiano Ronaldo, the club is on a mission to win their first-ever AFC Champions League. The Knights of Najd went undefeated in the tournament until the last game where they were dunked 0-1 by Al Ain.

Therefore, Cristiano Ronaldo and his team will now definitely need to win the second leg on Monday with more than a goal difference. However, to hold a chance the club from Riyadh need the former Liverpool player to pull his socks up.

Meanwhile, Mane isn’t having a great season, especially in the Champions League. Despite scoring 13 goals this season, the player lacked the cutting edge, especially in vital games. But now the Senegal international has big shoes to fill in the absence of Anderson Talisca who was their savior in crucial times. Yet, it will be CR7 that the team will bank on to see them through on Monday.

Cristiano Ronaldo eager to take revenge against Al Ain

If there was one person to never bog down, it would be the Al Nassr captain. After being taunted by Lionel Messi chants in the first leg, Ronaldo warned the Al Ain fans of the second leg at Al Awwal Park. But the loss against Al Raed may have made him more determined. The talisman took to Instagram with a message reading, “Every setback is a lesson for a stronger comeback! 💪🏽.” hinting at a better attempt next time.

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The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner proved his mettle after he scored 54 goals in 2023 and also leads this season’s goals in the Saudi League. After revealing his desire to win trophies for Al Nassr, such grit will excite the yellow team. And with both Sadio Mane and CR7 being ready to give their all on Monday, it seems like Al Ain should be worried. But as we say soccer is a funny sport, and for Al Nassr to win they would need their stars to step up.

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Written by:

Ruthu

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Ruthu is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Growing up in a sporting background, he found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian team. Ruthu brings an out-of-the-box perspective with writing, as he possesses the ability to view the game from different critical angles, a skill that sets apart a sports journalist.
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Edited by:

Caroline Joseph