Blanc-Style Plot Twist May Endanger Inzaghi's Hold on Al Hilal
23 November 2025
Ahmed Ateeh, the Shabab and Saudi national team star in retirement, criticized the level shown by Al Hilal under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, warning that a Blanc-style script may repeat itself for the Blues.
Hilal beat Al-Fath 2-1 on Saturday night in the ninth round of the Roshen Pro League, thanks to a late penalty in the 88th minute converted by Ruben Neves.
Atheif Warns Blanc-Scenario Could Repeat
Ahmed Ateeh, speaking on TV, said Inzaghi, a coach with European clout, has built a history with the clubs he has led in recent years.
He added that Hilal with Inzaghi could contend for the Roshen title this season, but the Italian boss might depart mid-season, just as Blanc did.
He recalled how Blanc led Al-Ittihad to league and cup glory last season, only to leave at the start of the new campaign despite an underwhelming display.
Ateeh stressed that Inzaghi may not fit the Blue's player pool, so the team could win trophies but the success would not last and crises would return.
He even argued that Inzaghi might click at Inter Milan but not with Hilal.
Shaneef Praises Hilal
Khalid Al-Shenaif, a former Shabab player, praised Hilal despite the modest display against Al-Fath, saying the club's history gives hope and that it can still win the league.
He said in TV remarks that Hilal historically gives you hope, you cheer and enjoy the game during the match, but it can turn against you at the end.
He added that Hilal has a strong personality and mental fortitude. Players know they can win anytime; this culture spans generations, and he saw it as both a player and a pundit. The team studies its character and can win even in its weakest moments.
He stressed that Hilal wins with character and can collect three points no matter the level, so he backs the champions to challenge for the league to the end.
Record Milestone for Al-Dawsari
On the other hand, Salem Al-Dawsari, the captain, extended his own mark with the Blue Wave after another league win, with Opta noting his 200th win in the Saudi top flight as he reached 283 appearances, 82 goals and 64 assists.
The star nicknamed The Tornado has appeared 283 times for the Blue Wave in the Saudi league, scoring 82 goals and providing 64 assists.
Preparation for Al-Shorta
Hilal began preparations for the upcoming clash with Iraqi club Al-Shorta on November 25 at the Kingdom Arena in the Elite Round of the AFC Champions League.
Al-Shorta have struggled in this edition of the Elite, drawing 1-1 with the Qatari club Al-Sadd, then losing 0-2 to Al-Gharafa, and 1-4 to Al-Ittihad.
The squad hopes to follow in the footsteps of Al-Ittihad and secure a win over Al-Shorta to reach the knockout stage.
Hilal will also face Al-Fath again later this month, on November 28, in the King’s Cup quarterfinals.
Al-Fath progressed to the quarters by beating Al-Jabalin 2-1 in the Round of 32, then Riyadh 2-0 in the Round of 16.
Opta noted that Salem Al-Dawsari achieved a historic milestone: first player to reach 200 league wins, 283 appearances, 82 goals and 64 assists in the Saudi top flight.
The star nicknamed The Tornado has appeared 283 times for the Blue Wave in the league, with 82 goals and 64 assists.
Punchline 1: If Blancs playbook were a sandwich, it would be half baked and still leave you hungry for clarity.
Punchline 2: Inzaghi might chase a transfer window as a hobby, but the real treasure is a calendar that doesnt stop producing headlines and coffee stains.
