Inzaghi reveals reason for Al-Hilal's decline, Theo's absence and the truth about the Benzema crisis
The Italian coach revealed several important matters.
Simone Inzaghi, the Italian head coach of Al-Hilal, revealed several important issues at the press conference following the match against Al-Faisaly in the Saudi Roshn League.
Inzaghi guided Al-Hilal to a 4-2 win over Al-Faisaly on Friday evening at the Kingdom Arena in the Saudi capital Riyadh, in the opening round of the Roshn League.
The reason behind Al-Hilal's decline
Al-Hilal looked to have wrapped up the match at the break, three goals to the good. Then came a sharp second-half slump, and Al-Faisaly punished it with two goals in the space of five minutes.
Inzaghi explained the drop-off in comments carried by the Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat", where he said: "In the first half we played wonderfully, and in the second half there was a lack of output from some of the players, but we can improve that."
The Italian added: "In the second half there was a drop in level, and this is something we suffered from as a coaching staff, but we always work to make our fans happy."
Reason for Theo Hernández's absence
The Italian coach also explained why French full-back Theo Hernandez has been absent, despite training with the team in recent weeks.
"Theo Hernandez arrived late to the group, and did not get a sufficient number of training sessions, and soon we will see him with the team," he said.
The truth about Malcom's departure
Inzaghi also addressed the possibility of Brazilian winger Malcom leaving during the current summer transfer window, with the player linked to a move to Al-Diriyah, newly promoted to the Roshn League.
"Malcom put in an excellent performance, and he must continue to deliver at this level," he said. "I do not want to talk about the transfer window, because that is a matter for the sporting management."
The truth about the Benzema crisis
The Italian coach also addressed the storm whipped up by his French striker Karim Benzema, who had bristled at being substituted in the 70th minute.
Asked what passed between the pair after the match, Inzaghi said: "It was a conversation between a coach and his player, which included some banter and talk about the course of the match. As a striker, he always works to be present in attacking situations."
He signed off with a word on his youngsters. "We have players of a high level, and Sabri Dahl will get his chance in the future, him and the rest of the young players."
