Under Pressure: Inzaghi Faces Fan Fury After a Narrow Win
Despite the valuable victory that Al Hilal earned in Uzbekistan, the Italian coach Simone Inzaghi found himself at the center of a storm of biting criticism from fans who felt the win over Nasaf Karshi did not dispel growing concerns about his team's playing style.
Al Hilal edged Nasaf Karshi 3-2 in the second round of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League Elite, at Karshi's central stadium.
The Serbian midfielder Sergei Savic opened the scoring for the leaders in the 21st minute, but the Uzbek side responded quickly through Bakhramov in the 27th.
Just before halftime, Theo Hernandez put the visitors in front again (45+2), but Nasaf did not surrender and equalized once more through Sodikov in the 61st minute.
The decisive moment arrived when Brazilian Marcus Leonardo converted in the 79th minute, sealing a 3-2 victory and sending Hilal to six points at the top of the group, while Nasaf sat at zero.
Despite the win, signs of concern persisted as Hilal did not seem to impose full control, often retreating after taking the lead, a cautious pattern that sparked anger among the crowd.
In recent weeks, Kooora has run a weekly feature titled “Under Pressure,” aiming to highlight a player or coach facing direct criticism from fans.
Lesson Unlearned for Inzaghi
The scenario echoed a prior clash with Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where Hilal surged ahead 3-0 before conceding late and sharing the spoils. The same pattern resurfaced against Nasaf; fans argued that Inzaghi has not learned from those earlier lessons.
The discussions intensified as the team’s defense came under scrutiny, with several observers pointing to a philosophy that prioritizes cautious defending over a more aggressive, identity-rich approach that fans associate with the club’s traditional style.
Defensive Woes and Worrying Numbers
Statistics place Inzaghi in a tough spot. Hilal has conceded 9 goals in 7 matches this season, averaging more than a goal per game. In the domestic league, the tally is 6 goals conceded in 4 games, and in the Champions League Elite, 3 goals in two matches.
Compared with last season, when Hilal allowed 3 goals in the first four league games and a single goal in the opening two Asian fixtures, the current numbers spotlight a defense that looks less solid and more vulnerable.
Only two clean sheets have been recorded in seven matches, one of them against Al Ta’ee in the King Cup, a stat that fans say underlines a broader defensive fragility and a potential mismatch with the club’s attacking ambitions.
Voice of the Fans
Public sentiment has shifted from cautious optimism to anxiety that the Italian coach’s defensive approach may undermine the team’s identity. Supporters worry that the obsession with not losing might cost the club in marquee fixtures, and some even predict a flat season if the approach doesn’t change soon.
Some fans have joked that the win over Nasaf doesn’t reassure them; it merely postpones the moment when the risk of a collapse returns. Amid the heated debates, Inzaghi is urged by many to pivot quickly if he wants to win back the blue legion’s confidence.
Between Board Support and Fan Anger
Despite considerable pressure, the club’s management remains committed to Inzaghi for the time being, noting that results in Asia keep the team at the top of the group while maintaining domestic title hopes.
However, there is a growing belief that this style could prove costly in bigger matches, and a segment of the fanbase calls for a more aggressive identity that recalls Hilal’s glorious attacking tradition. The looming question: will the coach adjust or risk a tougher turn in the campaign?
In the end, the path to redemption for Inzaghi and the club may hinge on a few decisive performances where defense holds firm and the attack finally delivers with sustained authority.
Will the pressure continue, or can the team re-tune in time to deliver both style and success?
And as a closing thought, if defense were a recipe, Inzaghi seems to be cooking with the wrong spices—could be tasty, but it might leave you with a stomach ache. And if football were a joke, the punchline would be: the defense bought tickets to the show and forgot to bring a goalkeeper. At least the tickets were refundable, right?
