Inzaghi says Al Hilal must fix second-half problems after Al Faisaly win

Simone Inzaghi says Al Hilal must improve their performance after half-time but praised their first-half display in a 4-2 victory over Al Faisaly in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.

The Saudi Arabian club appeared to be in complete control at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Friday, taking a three-goal lead into the interval. However, their performance dropped sharply after the break, allowing Al Faisaly to score twice within five minutes and briefly threaten a comeback.

“In the first half, we played wonderfully,” Al Hilal manager Inzaghi said in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. “In the second half, some players gave less, but we can improve that.”

The Italian added: “There was a drop in our level in the second half, and this is something we, as a coaching staff, suffered from. However, we are always working to make our fans happy.”

Al Hilal eventually held on to secure the points and give Inzaghi a winning start to the league campaign. The match also provided the manager with an opportunity to address several issues surrounding his squad, including the absence of France defender Theo Hernandez.

Theo Hernandez had taken part in training with the team in recent days but was not included in the matchday line-up. Inzaghi explained that the full-back had not yet completed enough sessions with his new team.

“Theo Hernandez joined the group late and did not get enough training,” he said. “We will see him with the team soon.”

The manager was also asked about the future of Brazil winger Malcom, who has been linked with a move away from Al Hilal during the current summer transfer window. Malcom has reportedly attracted interest from newly promoted Roshn Saudi League side Al-Diriyah.

“Malcom played an excellent match and must continue performing at this level,” Inzaghi said. “I do not want to talk about the transfer window because that is a matter for the sporting administration.”

Inzaghi also played down an apparent disagreement involving Karim Benzema. The France striker showed his frustration after being substituted in the 70th minute, prompting questions about what had happened between the pair.

Asked about their conversation after the match, Inzaghi said: “It was a conversation between a coach and his player, which included jokes and discussion about the events of the match. As a striker, he is always working to be involved in attacking situations.”

The Al Hilal boss finished by highlighting the competition for places among the club’s younger players. He said the squad contained several talented prospects and indicated that Sabri Dahl would be given an opportunity in the future.

“We have players of a high level,” Inzaghi said. “Sabri Dahl will get his chance in the future, along with the rest of the young players.”