Tactical turbulence: Al Hilal’s win sparks a storm of questions over Inzaghi’s direction
3 November 2025
Backlash mounts after Al Hilal's narrow win over Al Shabab
In the wake of Al Hilal's 1-0 victory over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, mounting criticism has targeted Italian coach Simone Inzaghi. The outcry was sparked by comments from club icon Sami Al-Jaber, who openly challenged the manager following the match.
Despite the win, there is a sense of unease about the direction of the team and whether Inzaghi can restore the attacking identity historically associated with the club.
Voices from the sport: Jaber, Attif and Noor weigh in
Former stars Ahmed Attif and Mohammed Noor joined in the critique, arguing that the team is playing a style that does not reflect the club's legacy or ambitions.
The conversation centers on whether the team maintains its chemistry, with Attif pointing to the lack of a clear game plan after the opponent's sending off and Noor highlighting a perceived loss of aesthetic appeal in recent displays.
Nor also cited that the team is relying on a direct route to goal without diverse movement between lines, and he questioned whether the coach truly values Salem Al-Dawsari or could fit him into a system with Theo Hernandez.
What comes next for Inzaghi and Al Hilal
Al Hilal sits third on 17 points, four behind the leaders and one behind the second place club, leaving questions about the upcoming matches and whether the coach will adjust tactics to recapture the team's attacking spirit.
Meanwhile, Sami Al-Jaber warned that the team needs to find a clear identity rather than merely collecting points, and he urged changes that align with the club's fame and fans' expectations.
Mohammed Noor added that the club may benefit from a broader tactical approach, especially regarding the use of top attackers and how they affect the flow of play in important fixtures against rivals.
Punchline 1: Al Hilal's strategy is so mysterious that even the scoreboard needs a flashlight.
Punchline 2: If plot twists were football, Inzaghi would have written a trilogy by now.
