Sami Al-Jaber Calls Out Inzaghi’s Fit for Al Hilal: A Clash of Style and Identity

Sami Al-Jaber Questions Inzaghi’s System at Al Hilal

Sami Al-Jaber, the Saudi football icon, shared on television why he doubts Simone Inzaghi’s approach with Al Hilal.

He asserted that Inzaghi’s style does not align with Hilal’s identity, insisting that the method may work at times but is not a natural fit for a club of Hilal’s stature, win or lose.

According to him, Hilal is a big club that should not rely solely on counter-attacks or swift transitions; rather, the team needs greater attacking diversity to stay dangerous and unpredictable.

Al-Jaber suggested that having more attacking tools—such as effective wing-backs and standout forwards—with players like Savic would make the squad more lethal on the pitch.

He clarified that he does not oppose Inzaghi as a person or as a coach, but he believes the current approach does not suit the club’s makeup.

Al Hilal’s Identity and the Call for Offensive Variety

The former star has not shied away from critiquing the coach despite some positive results, emphasizing that a team’s identity matters more than short-term gains.

In past remarks, he criticized Inzaghi’s methods after ties and noted that a club like Hilal should adapt its style while still competing at the highest levels.

Al-Jaber’s comments reflect a broader debate about balancing tradition and modern tactics in Saudi football, and how a club renowned for its attacking legacy can evolve without losing its soul.

Inzaghi’s Era: World Cup Run, Domestic Form, and November Fixtures

Inzaghi joined Al Hilal officially last summer with a contract reported to be up to 26 million euros per year through 2027.

His first campaign included a notable showing at the Club World Cup in the United States, where Hilal opened with a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid, followed by a goalless stalemate with Salzburg, a 2-0 win over Pachuca, and a dramatic 4-3 victory against Manchester City before bowing out to Flamengo.

Domestically, Hilal opted out of the Saudi Super Cup to rest players, then opened the season strongly in the Roshen Pro League with a win over Al-Raed, followed by mixed results in matches against Qadisiyah and Al-Ahli as the title race began to take shape.

The Blue Wave then reeled off a sequence of victories—downing Al Khoud, trouncing Al Ettifaq, and beating arch-rival Al Ittihad and Al Shabab—leaving them four points behind leaders Al Nassr with 21 points early in the campaign.

In Asia, Hilal tops the West group of the Elite edition of the AFC Champions League with a perfect 12 points from four matches, having defeated Duhail, Al Sadd, Nasaf, and Al Gharafa, and remains the only side to win all four games. They still sit two points ahead of Al Wasl in the Emirati group standings.

As for November, Hilal wrapped up the Al-Gharafa fixture in the AFC Elite league and prepared for a clash with Al Najma in Buraydah, with a double-header against Al Fateh scheduled on the 22nd and 28th of the month—the latter a King’s Cup quarterfinal. In the lead-up, they host Al-Shorta Iraq in a pivotal AFC Elite clash on November 25 at King Abdullah Sports City in Riyadh, as part of the group stage schedule.

Overall, the squad looks to balance the triumphs of a storied club with the evolving demands of modern football while navigating a busy November slate.

Punchline 1: If football were soup, Inzaghi would serve it hot, but somehow forget the spoon—typical, right?

Punchline 2: They say tactics win matches; apparently, Inzaghi brought a very Italian cookbook—great flavor, questionable plating."