Inzaghi praises Donis as Al-Hilal assess Salem Al-Dawsari for Al-Ittihad clash

Simone Inzaghi has described Saudi Arabia manager Giorgos Donis as a “great coach” after the national team won the Arabian Gulf Cup, Khaleeji 27, while saying Salem Al-Dawsari faces a choice between starting and taking a place on the bench in Saturday’s Saudi Pro League classic.

Donis guided Saudi Arabia to a 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Tuesday’s final, securing the country’s first Gulf Cup title in 23 years.

Reports emerged only 24 hours after the triumph claiming the Saudi Arabian Football Federation intended to dismiss the Greek manager and replace him with Roberto Martinez. The federation subsequently denied those reports.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference before Al-Hilal’s meeting with Al-Ittihad, Inzaghi congratulated Donis and the Saudi players.

“I congratulate the Saudi national team on winning the Gulf Cup, and I especially congratulate Donis because he is a great and wonderful coach,” Inzaghi said, in comments reported by the Saudi newspaper Al Sharq Al Awsat. “I also congratulate all the players on winning the title.”

The Italian also praised Al-Hilal players who impressed during the tournament, including goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.

“I am pleased with Mohammed Al-Owais’ excellent performances in the Gulf Cup. He is an important player who makes a difference,” he said.

Inzaghi also highlighted midfielder Nasser Al-Dawsari’s form after an injury-hit previous campaign.

“Nasser is a great player and a respected star. He suffered an injury last season that affected him, but I am pleased with the performances he is giving now,” he added.

Several Al-Hilal players have returned from international duty ahead of the match at Kingdom Arena, and Inzaghi said their fitness would be assessed following the final training session.

“We will assess their condition after today’s training session to find out how ready they are to play the match,” he said.

The fixture brings together the top two sides in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal leading the table on 18 points, one point ahead of second-placed Al-Ittihad.

“It is the classic match in Saudi football and a very important game between the teams in first and second place. We are ready for it,” Inzaghi said.

He added that the demanding schedule meant his coaching staff would continue to monitor the squad’s response to successive matches.

“Pressure affects all teams. Together with the technical staff, we will assess the players’ performances in the coming matches to understand how to manage the games during this run of fixtures,” he said.

On Salem Al-Dawsari, who has recovered from the injury that kept him out since the start of the season, Inzaghi said the forward had trained over the past three days alongside Theo Hernandez.

“Today is the final training session, and afterwards we will see the readiness of all the players. Salem and Theo have taken part in training during the past three days,” he said.

“Salem Al-Dawsari is very enthusiastic in training after returning from injury. We will see after today’s session whether he can start or be on the bench.”