Inzaghi: Al Hilal captaincy to remain with Saudi players after Al-Ittihad win

Simone Inzaghi says the captaincy at Al Hilal will continue to be passed between Saudi players after his side beat Al-Ittihad 3-2 in the eighth round of the Saudi league.

Salem, Kanno, Nasser and Al Owais are the players designated to wear the armband, with Inzaghi explaining that it was his policy to give the responsibility to Saudi nationals.

“Regarding the captaincy, it has to be given to a Saudi player,” Inzaghi said. “Salem, then Kanno, then Nasser, then Al Owais. We have important Saudi players, and this is how the captaincy operates within our team.”

The victory lifted Al Hilal to 21 points and restored them to the top of the table, two points ahead of Al Qadsiah and Al Nassr. Al-Ittihad remain on 17 points and finished the round in fourth place.

The result also meant every team in the Saudi league has now suffered at least one defeat. Al-Ittihad had been the only side to maintain an unbeaten record.

Inzaghi praised his players for their performance against a strong opponent, while suggesting Al Hilal could have been more clinical.

“We played a great match against a big and respected opponent, and I thank the players for what they gave,” he said.

“Football has different developments during a match. We should have scored more than three goals.”

The Italian also defended the officials, although he admitted he disagreed with the penalty awarded against Al Hilal.

“The referees gave everything they had, and what happened during the match was normal. Mistakes are part of the game,” he said.

“I do not agree with the penalty being given against us, but this is football. I congratulate the fans and the players on the performance they produced in this match.”

Inzaghi also explained his celebration with Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville following Al Hilal’s third goal. He said the moment reflected the importance of finally finding the net after a series of setbacks.

“It was an important moment in the match after one of our goals was disallowed and we had missed four chances before scoring this goal,” he said. “That is why it was an important moment for us.”

The manager reserved particular praise for Ollie Watkins, who plays for Al Hilal, after the striker impressed in recent matches.

“Watkins delivered an excellent performance. He is improving day by day and has integrated with the group,” Inzaghi said. “He performed brilliantly in the matches against Al-Taawoun and Al-Ittihad, and I congratulate him greatly on his performance.”