Waleed Al-Farraj questions Al Hilal’s direction after routine King’s Cup win

Waleed Al-Farraj has criticised Al Hilal’s performances under Simone Inzaghi, saying the Saudi club are failing to offer anything worth watching despite reaching the next round of the King’s Cup.

Al Hilal defeated Al Raed 2-0 on Monday to advance from the last 32 of the competition, but their display did little to ease the growing scrutiny surrounding Inzaghi and his team.

Speaking on his programme Rotana Sport with Waleed, Al-Farraj said: “Al Hilal under Simone Inzaghi is painful to watch. They do not offer anything worth watching.”

He added: “I do not know the reason for this decline. It is true that the team wins, but it does not produce the level that is required or expected of it.”

The comments reflect the wider criticism directed at Al Hilal and Inzaghi over the team’s performances, which have been viewed as below expectations since last season.

Although the club continue to secure results, concerns over their style and overall identity have remained prominent. Al Hilal are also said to have lost all the available trophies during that period, with the exception of the previous edition of the King’s Cup.

Inzaghi’s position has repeatedly been the subject of speculation, with his name linked with a possible departure from Al Hilal. The criticism has partly focused on the belief that his footballing identity is not currently suited to the team.

The debate continued after Monday’s victory, with further analysis focusing on the contrast between Al Hilal’s results and the quality of their football.

Former football commentator Emad Al-Salmi said: “If Al Hilal play with Inzaghi’s identity, it is painful to watch. The players want to play with their own character, and that is why we see one half that is pleasing to watch and another that is painful.”

Ibrahim Al-Anqari was also critical of the performance against Al Raed, saying: “Against Al Raed, and you play like this? The team has no shape, taste or colour.”

Al Hilal’s 2-0 success means they remain in contention for the King’s Cup, but attention will now turn to whether Inzaghi can improve the team’s performances as the season progresses.

The club’s ability to keep winning has so far offered some protection from the criticism, yet the latest reaction from Al-Farraj underlines the increasing demand for more convincing football from one of Saudi Arabia’s leading sides.