Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has defended his decision to leave out Sadio Mane after his side suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat to Al-Qadisiyah in the Saudi Pro League.
The result, which came during the 31st round of fixtures, ended Al-Nassr’s 20-match winning run in all competitions and dealt a significant blow to their momentum as the season approaches its decisive phase.
Speaking after the match, Jesus said his decision had been driven by concerns over Mané’s physical condition, with key fixtures still to come. Al-Nassr are preparing for important encounters against Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal and Damac in the coming weeks.
“I decided to give Mane a rest. He’s been the most used player this season and recently suffered a health issue after returning from a team assignment,” Jesus told reporters.
The Portuguese coach suggested that squad rotation had been necessary to manage player workload, particularly given the congested schedule at the end of the campaign. He also pointed out that the policy had not been limited to one individual.
“Rotation has involved several players, including Cristiano Ronaldo,” he added, referring to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite the reasoning, the absence of Mané was keenly felt as Al-Nassr struggled to impose themselves against a determined Al-Qadisiyah side. The match, played at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium, saw the hosts produce a disciplined and clinical performance to secure what was widely regarded as a deserved victory.
Al-Qadisiyah’s win not only halted Al-Nassr’s impressive run but also highlighted the unpredictability of the league at a critical stage of the season. For Al-Nassr, the defeat raises questions about squad depth and the impact of rotation decisions as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
Jesus’s comments suggest that player welfare remains a priority, even at the cost of short-term results. With several high-stakes matches ahead, the coach appears to be balancing the need for immediate success with the long-term fitness of his squad.
Mane, who has been one of Al-Nassr’s most consistent performers this season, has featured heavily throughout the campaign. His omission, therefore, marked a notable shift in team selection and drew significant attention in the aftermath of the defeat.
The loss leaves Al-Nassr facing renewed pressure as they seek to regain their winning form ahead of crucial fixtures that could define their season. Meanwhile, Al-Qadisiyah will take confidence from a result that demonstrated their ability to compete against one of the league’s strongest sides.
