Mohammed Al-Deayea, the legendary former Al-Hilal goalkeeper, has launched a scathing critique of manager Simone Inzaghi following the Saudi club's shock 2-0 loss to Neom in the sixth round of the Roshn Saudi Pro League. The ex-international goalkeeper questions whether the Italian tactician's continued presence can deliver silverware in the coming season.
Questioning Inzaghi's Methods
Speaking on the "Doreena Ghair" programme, Al-Deayea expressed deep concern about Al-Hilal's trajectory under Inzaghi's management. "It is difficult for me to be optimistic with Inzaghi present, and his continuation means the club will not win the league or the AFC Champions League Elite," he stated bluntly. The criticism cuts deeper than tactical frustration; Al-Deayea argues the gap between boardroom investment and on-pitch results reveals systemic issues at the Al-Zaeem outfit.
The former Saudi Arabian shot-stopper pointed to the contrast between administrative ambition and coaching execution. "The management builds and Inzaghi demolishes, and this became clearly apparent from last season," he explained. "The management gave him everything, and had any other coach been in his place, he would have achieved incredible results." This assessment suggests Al-Hilal's financial muscle has not translated into the anticipated dominance across Saudi Arabia's top tier.
Player Underperformance and Departures
Al-Deayea also addressed why certain high-profile players have struggled to meet expectations under the Italian. He identified lack of tactical clarity as a primary factor: "The reason for some players failing with Inzaghi is the absence of a clear method, and it is the reason for the departure of Benzema and some other names." The departure of Karim Benzema, the world-class French striker, serves as the most prominent example of underutilized talent during Inzaghi's tenure.
Al-Hilal's defeat to Neom marked their first loss of the 2024-25 season, shattering an unbeaten streak and intensifying scrutiny of Inzaghi's tactical decisions. With the club aspiring to dominate both domestic competition and the AFC Champions League Elite—the revamped continental tournament—such early-season setbacks raise questions about consistency and preparation. The loss opens wider debate about whether Inzaghi possesses the innovative approach required to unlock Al-Hilal's substantial squad potential.
