Italian coach Simone Inzaghi expressed great happiness after Al Hilal’s 4-1 win over Al Fateh on Saturday evening at the Kingdom Arena, advancing to the King’s Cup semi-finals. The emphatic result kept the team on track for a deep run in the competition, with the draw to determine the opponents set for Sunday.
In the post-match press conference, Inzaghi said the performance was excellent and that the squad knows it can reach even higher levels, acknowledging there were occasional stumbles in league play but nothing insurmountable.
He added that Darwin Núñez participated in the game and left with an injury, stressing that it is not in the same leg and that the medical check will determine the next steps. Núñez remains a quality player who performs when called upon.
Inzaghi also pointed to the demanding schedule in recent weeks, noting that the load impacted training sessions but praising his players for pushing through and securing a 13th win of the season. He thanked the fans for their unwavering support during this tough spell.
Near the end of the interview, he revealed that with the winter transfer window approaching, he has been watching players from the club’s youth teams. Some who featured in prior matches could contribute more, especially given defensive shortages and the emergence of attacking and central midfield options. He highlighted the progression in midweek and in the Champions League as signs of growing cohesion and form, while also awaiting the return of injured teammates like Metab Al-Harbi and Hamad Al-Yami.
Inzaghi concluded that the team’s level has risen with midweek games and that performance should continue to improve as players return from injury.
Gomez Concedes: Al Hilal Deserved the Win
Separately, Al Fateh’s Portuguese coach, Jose Gomez, admitted that Al Hilal deserved the victory in the King’s Cup clash. He noted that while his side produced a solid display, the opponent offered a wider range of options on the field and more quality in crucial moments.
Gomez explained that his team faced a sharper threat and did not fully convert chances, despite producing better opportunities than in their previous league match. He stressed that he did not cloak the midfield as tightly as in the previous meeting, recognizing the opponents’ dangerous players and the need to adapt tactically.
He also said that his side attempted an attacking approach, aware of the threats posed by Al Hilal’s lineup, and that the scoreline reflected the difficulty of containing such a squad. He congratulated the opponent on the win.
Inzaghi’s Swift Reward and the Road Ahead
Inzaghi announced a swift reward for the players following the convincing win, according to the Saudi daily Al-Yaum. The team will enjoy a seven-day rest from training, with normal group sessions resuming on December 6. This pause comes as the national team competition in Qatar’s Arab Cup runs from December 1-18, prompting a longer break for club fixtures.
The squad will then head to the United Arab Emirates for a training camp in Al Ain starting December 7, including a friendly against Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq on December 13, before returning to Riyadh to resume preparations for their next Roshen Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Taawoun.
During the camp, Al Hilal will also fine-tune its tactics and monitor player fitness, with a view to sustaining momentum when league action resumes.
Medical Update on Núñez
Darwin Núñez suffered an injury during the Al Hilal- Al Fateh King’s Cup quarterfinal. The initial medical assessment indicated a minor issue that should not cause major concern, with rest and careful rehabilitation advised. The club’s medical team will continue monitoring his recovery, and the Liverpool legend’s former forward is expected to be available for upcoming matches as needed, should his condition allow.
With Núñez in the mix again soon, Al Hilal’s attacking options remain strong, and the team will look to maintain their spell of positive results as the winter window opens.
Punchlines to Close the Night
Punchline 1: If defense were a magic trick, Al Hilal’s opponents would keep asking, “Where did the ball go?”—and the answer would be, “Into the net, of course.”
Punchline 2: If the January transfer window were a game of chess, Inzaghi would be stockpiling knights while the defense keeps saying, “Checkmate, not check-please.”
