Savic on Renewal, Rivalries, and a Project That Glows: Al Hilal's Quiet Confidence

Renewal and the project ahead

Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić, a cornerstone of Al Hilal, has offered revealing comments about several aspects of this season and the previous one, including his contract renewal and the eagerly awaited showdown with Al Nassr.

Milinković-Savić joined the Saudi giants in the summer of 2023 from Lazio and quickly became a central figure. The club extended his contract by two more years, keeping him at the club through 2028. In a televised interview, he expressed happiness about staying with Al Hilal, calling it a big club with a massive fan base, and noting his family’s desire to remain in the country.

He described the renewal as straightforward and driven by his wish to be part of a fantastic project and the club’s ambition to go as far as possible. He added that he hopes to win more trophies and make the fans even happier, especially after a season that had its share of disappointments.

On last season’s downturn, he conceded there were moments of laxity and missed chances, and he acknowledged that opportunities were not as efficiently converted as they could have been. He stressed the aim to fix the path in the near future and compete for all titles, with a particular emphasis on the AFC Champions League for the elite.

Facing Jesus and the gap with Inzaghi

Savic discussed the similarities and differences between his former coach Jorge Jesus, now at Al Nassr, and the Italian Simone Inzaghi, his current boss at Hilal, saying there are no exact parallels since each coach has his own method.

He added that Jesus treated him well and that he felt comfortable with him, but he adapted quickly to Inzaghi, a coach with vast experience and his own distinctive style.

Savic also expressed a strong desire to face Jesus in the upcoming derby, saying he looks forward to a victory against him. He acknowledged it will be a tough match, as derbies always carry a different shape and feel.

He believes Al Nassr is the direct rival to Al Hilal this season, noting that the current edition is among the toughest in the league because of strong performances and ambitious aims to win the title.

During the piece, there’s a moment to appreciate the coach’s silhouette in the background—says a lot about the dynamic rivalry that frames this season’s battles.

High Praise for the Saudi Project

In the interview, Savic also sang the league’s praises, noting that each season the level climbs and competition grows tougher. He stressed that the Saudi project is evolving clearly and will only become more influential as time passes.

He highlighted several local stars who could successful abroad, naming Hassan Tambakti, Nasser Al-Dosari, Muhammad Kanno, and Salem Al-Dosari as players with Europe-ready potential. He concluded that Saudi players possess impressive technical and physical capabilities, and he is especially delighted by the prospect of Saud Abdulhamid earning a move abroad.

The Significance of Savic

Since donning the Al Hilal jersey, it has been clear that Savic brings more than talent—he brings a tactical mind and genuine leadership. In every game, he acts as a vital link between lines, a organizer who knows when to push and when to slow the tempo.

He isn’t just a midfielder; he reads the game exceptionally well, pressing at the right times, opening spaces for teammates, and intercepting before dangerous attacks can unfold. This elegance provides Hilal with stability and makes them a difficult side to breach; every pass and movement carries his mark and influences the flow of matches.

Beyond the technical, Savic is a leader on the pitch, guiding teammates and correcting errors in crucial moments. Young players look up to him, veterans lean on his tactical thinking, and in big games his voice is clear and his decisions decisive, shaping attacks, stalling opposing advances, and moving the team as one cohesive unit.

His presence grants Hilal balance, clarity of play, and steadiness in midfield, making the team look organized even under pressure, creating chances, and turning counterattacks into real threats. In short, Savic isn’t merely a player but the mind behind Hilal’s campaigns, lifting teammates and pushing the club toward domestic and continental ambitions.

Savic is the man who pulls the strings and translates the coach’s vision into reality on the pitch, ensuring Hilal stays at the summit. Still, the road ahead is anything but easy, and the challenges are real.

Tough Challenges

The club heads into one of the toughest phases of the season, a run of tough matches that will test depth and energy. The schedule is crowded, expectations are high, and the squad can no longer rely on earlier momentum alone. With reinforcements and the return of key players like Darwin Nunez, the team hopes to mitigate fatigue and sustain performance.

In the AFC Champions League, the stakes are even higher: the competition is a central target, not just for the prestige but to compensate for past disappointments. Contending in Asia demands mental and physical readiness and meticulous squad management, especially against teams that thrive on power, speed, and quick transitions.

All told, Savic’s influence underscores Hilal’s readiness to chase every trophy—locally and continentally—with intent and discipline. And if the season’s trajectory holds, the fans might just get the dream run they crave.

Punchline time: If football had a backup generator, Savic would be the switch—every time the lights go out, he powers the park. And if coaches were comedians, his play would be the punchline that never lands flat—because he always finds the perfect setup for the finish. Final zinger: even the goalposts would cheer when he’s on the field; they know they’ll get a proper, well-delivered pass before the shot lands.