JEDDAH: Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi voiced his frustration after his side surrendered a three-goal advantage in Friday’s Saudi Professional League clash with Al-Ahli, which ended in a 3–3 draw.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Inzaghi praised his players’ performance for most of the game but admitted they failed to manage the closing stages.
“We played very well until the 80th minute, scored three goals, hit the post three (times) and Mendy also made several saves,” he said. “Then Toni reduced the deficit with a special technical touch. We didn’t deal with the match properly after that, and I can’t criticize the team because we played 80 excellent minutes.”
The Italian coach rejected suggestions that his substitutions had unsettled the side, explaining that injuries forced his hand. Malcom was substituted, while Ruben Neves, who had not been fully fit, asked to come off after insisting on starting.
Inzaghi also pointed to the short turnaround from the team’s AFC Champions League fixture earlier in the week, saying his players lacked sufficient recovery time.
He added: “The technical level of the match was high, and those who watched it enjoyed it, but I didn’t enjoy it, because my goal was to win.”
Looking ahead, the Al-Hilal boss said the team must quickly learn from the setback. “We have to learn from the match, analyze our mistakes and correct them. But let’s not forget we were facing the Asian Elite and Super Cup champions — not an easy opponent.”
