Saudi media reports indicate that Simone Inzaghi may leave his position as Al-Hilal’s coach by the end of the current season, following their unexpected exit from the AFC Champions League at the hands of Al-Sadd.
Al-Hilal failed to maintain their lead three times against the Qatari club in the match played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, ultimately being eliminated on penalties, thus ending their hopes of reclaiming the continental title they haven’t won in three years.
Calls for Inzaghi’s dismissal have intensified since the match. He took over as Al-Hilal’s coach before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup last year, with many considering him primarily responsible for the defeat due to his tactical decisions, which fell short of expectations for one of the world’s highest-paid coaches.
Al-Hilal’s president, Nawaf bin Saad, commented on these calls, saying, “The responsibility lies with everyone without exception, whether it’s the coaching staff, the players, or the management. We will evaluate the coach’s performance after the season ends, based on the team’s final results and the championships they win.”
Al-Hilal still has a chance to win two titles, having reached the final of the Saudi King’s Cup and facing a seemingly manageable match against Al-Kholoud. However, they trail Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr by five points with only six rounds remaining.
Inzaghi remains committed to Al-Hilal, stating after the Al-Sadd match, “I will not leave the team because I am doing my job to the best of my ability. I tried everything I could to qualify, but luck wasn’t on our side.”
It is highly likely that Inzaghi will be dismissed if Al-Hilal loses the Saudi Pro League title, especially since a defeat against Al-Nassr in the Riyadh derby, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates officially clinching the title, is now a very real possibility.
The Italian coach’s contract with the Blue Wave runs until the summer of 2027, but the wave of harsh criticism he is facing will likely lead to his early departure unless he manages to achieve the miracle of a domestic double.
