Al-Hilal's Performance Split: Inzaghi Reflects on Match

Al-Hilal walked off at half-time looking untouchable, three goals clear and cruising. Then the lights dimmed. A slack, disjointed second half let Al-Faisaly back in, two goals in five chaotic minutes turning a procession into a warning.

Filippo Inzaghi did not hide from it. Speaking to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the Al-Hilal coach split the performance in two.

"In the first half we played wonderfully," he said. "In the second half there was a lack of output from some of the players, but we can improve that."

The tone was honest, not indulgent. The drop in intensity irritated him, and he made it clear the staff shared the blame.

"In the second half there was a drop in level, and this is something we suffered from as a coaching staff," the Italian added. "But we always work to make our fans happy."

Theo’s wait, Malcom’s noise

The match also raised questions about personnel, starting with Theo Hernandez. The French full-back has trained with the group in recent weeks, yet remains absent on matchday. Inzaghi moved to cool any speculation.

"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 explained.

On the other flank of the squad debate sits Malcom. The Brazilian winger has been linked with a move to newly promoted Al-Diriyah during the current summer transfer window, his name bubbling away in the market while he continues to feature.

On the pitch, Inzaghi was satisfied.

"Malcom put in an excellent performance, and he must continue to deliver at this level," he said, before drawing a firm line. "I do not want to talk about the transfer window, because that is a matter for the sporting management."

Benzema flashpoint

The most visible flashpoint came when Karim Benzema reacted angrily to being substituted in the 70th minute. The French striker bristled at the decision, sparking an instant talking point around the club’s new hierarchy of power.

Inzaghi played it down, framing it as the kind of exchange any ambitious forward would have.

"It was a conversation between a coach and his player, which included some banter and talk about the course of the match," he said. "As a striker, he always works to be present in attacking situations."

A flare of ego, then, but one the coach views as competitive fire rather than open rebellion.

Backing the next wave

Amid the noise around stars and transfers, Inzaghi made sure to underline his faith in the club’s younger core. He singled out Sabri Dahl as one of those waiting in the wings.

"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," he said.

A three-goal lead squandered into a nervous finish, a restless superstar, a key signing still waiting, a winger under transfer scrutiny, and a coach taking the hit while pointing to the next generation. Al-Hilal’s season already feels like it will be played on a knife-edge.