Cristiano Ronaldo's manager Jorge Jesus says Al-Hilal hold greater financial power than Al-Nassr | OneFootball

Jorge Jesus has acknowledged Al-Hilal wield greater financial clout than Al-Nassr after Cristiano Ronaldo’s brief strike over perceived spending gaps, with the Portuguese now back in action.

The Saudi Pro League said in a statement that clubs operate independently under the same rules, with spending set by each board within a framework for sustainability and competitive balance.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner removed himself from selection, disillusioned by rivals outspending Al-Nassr, with Karim Benzema’s switch between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal the final straw. He sat out three matches.

He returned in a 2-0 win over Al-Fateh as he chases 1,000 career goals. Based in Riyadh, Jesus welcomed the 41-year-old’s comeback and said he understood the frustration.

Having previously coached Al-Hilal, Jesus said he knew their resource edge and had benefited from it, and that Al-Nassr must compete strongly with different means while he works to narrow the gap in titles and points.

He expressed confidence in Al-Nassr’s structure, which he said is steadily balancing the squad and off-field operation while facing opponents with greater economic power, not greater sporting strength.

Ronaldo still craves major silverware in the region, his only trophy so far the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Jesus said they are one point off the leaders and confident of competing to the end, unlike recent years when the gap was 16 or 14 points, while admitting he cannot predict what will happen.

Source: Goal.com