Al-Hilal’s thrilling 5-3 victory over their neighbor Al-Shabab in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League was not just a fleeting three points, but turned into a rich topic for technical discussion, led by club legend Sami Al-Jaber, who directed fiery and direct messages to Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, centered on the brilliant star Sultan Mandash.

A striking brilliance that raises questions

Winger Sultan Mandash stole the show in the Riyadh derby, playing a starring role by scoring one goal and assisting another, earning him the Man of the Match award. This exceptional performance came after Inzaghi included him in the starting lineup alongside Simon Bouabre, opting to rest key players like Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom. Mandash, who joined from Al-Taawoun during the winter transfer window, proved to be a valuable asset that had been untapped.

Al-Jaber embarrasses Inzaghi: Why now?

In his analysis of the match, Sami Al-Jaber didn't hide his surprise at the delay in utilizing Sultan Mandash, posing an awkward question to the coaching staff: "Where was Sultan Mandash in the previous matches? And why wasn't he used as a real pressure tactic against the starting players?" Al-Jaber emphasized that the player's performance wasn't surprising to those familiar with his capabilities, pointing out that Al-Hilal's bench should be as strong as the starting lineup to ensure consistency.

The importance of artistic depth in competition

Al-Jaber's statements come at a crucial time, as Al-Hilal faces immense pressure to compete on all fronts, both domestically and continentally. Mendesh's impressive performance highlights the importance of player rotation and utilizing winter signings to ensure the team's readiness, especially given the congested fixture schedule that could lead to fatigue or injuries among key players. Analysts believe that rediscovering Mendesh could be a turning point for the team this season, provided Inzaghi continues to place his trust in him.

A defensive alarm bell before the Asian fray

Despite the attacking euphoria, Al-Jaber didn't shy away from sharply criticizing the defensive system, deeming the conceding of three goals in a single match unacceptable for a team aspiring to titles. He pointed out that substitutions, such as bringing on Murad Hawsawi for Ruben Neves, failed to achieve the necessary balance, criticizing the defensive block in front of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, which allowed the opposition ample space to operate.

Al-Jaber concluded his remarks by warning of the upcoming stage, especially with the approaching crucial match against Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League, stressing that the mistakes that went unpunished against Al-Shabab could prove costly in Asia if Inzaghi does not address them quickly.

The corridors of Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia have recently been abuzz with controversy surrounding the performance of Portuguese star João Félix, coinciding with the crucial stages of the 2025-2026 Saudi Professional League season. Despite the team's positive results, the individual performances of some of its stars have come under intense scrutiny from both technical and fan critics.

In this context, Saleh Al-Mutlaq, the former Al-Nassr and Saudi national team star, directed harsh and direct criticism at the Portuguese player, expressing his dissatisfaction with Felix's performance compared to the high expectations placed upon him. In widely circulated televised remarks, Al-Mutlaq stated that Felix "completely disappears under pressure" and fails to provide the desired contribution in crucial matches that demand leadership and decisiveness in front of goal.

Criticisms of weight and physical fitness

Al-Mutlaq's observations weren't limited to the technical aspects; he also addressed the physical side, drawing attention to what he described as the player's "weight gain" and sluggishness in recent matches, which negatively impacted his attacking effectiveness. The former star emphasized that Al-Nassr fans don't expect a player of Felix's caliber and international stature to simply be present; they expect him to be decisive and score goals consistently, especially given the fierce competition for domestic and continental titles.

Jesus defends: His role is tactical and pivotal

On the other hand, and true to form in protecting his players, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus stepped forward to defend his compatriot, refusing to downplay Felix's contributions. Jesus explained that evaluating a player shouldn't be limited to goal-scoring statistics alone, emphasizing that Felix provides the team with diverse tactical solutions that some overlook.

The Al-Nassr coach pointed out that Felix plays a vital role in linking the lines and creating plays for other stars in the forward line, such as Kingsley Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sadio Mane. Jesus expressed his complete confidence that Felix will soon return to scoring form, considering him a cornerstone of the team's attacking system.

The language of numbers and the challenge of Al-Fayha

Looking at the statistics, the criticism may seem a bit harsh, as Joao Felix’s numbers this season indicate a tangible impact; he participated in 34 matches in various competitions, during which he contributed to 31 goals (scoring 19 and assisting 12), a numerical tally that confirms his effectiveness despite the fluctuation in his level at some times.

All eyes will be on Al Majma'ah Sports City Stadium on Saturday evening, where Al Nassr will be the visitors against Al Fayha in the 24th round of the league. Al Nassr enters the match in second place with 58 points, aiming to close the gap on the league leaders, while Al Fayha, currently in eleventh place with 27 points, will be looking to pull off an upset, taking advantage of playing at home. This match will be a true test for Felix, allowing him to respond to criticism from Al Mutlaq and prove his coach, Jesus, right.

Italian press reports have put an end to the rumors circulating in Saudi sports circles about the future of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi with Al-Hilal club, confirming his continued leadership of the team, despite the wave of criticism he has faced recently due to fluctuating results and technical performance.

Management's confidence despite shaky results

The renowned Italian newspaper "Calciomercato" indicated that Al-Hilal's management still has full confidence in the 49-year-old coach, denying any intention to dismiss him at present. This confirmation comes after the marathon match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League , which ended with a resounding 5-3 victory for Al-Hilal. Despite the win, the team conceding three goals renewed concerns about the defensive solidity that characterized Inzaghi's previous teams.

Tactical background and adaptation challenges

Inzaghi, who built his illustrious coaching reputation with Italian clubs Lazio and Inter Milan, faces a different challenge in Saudi Arabia. After leading Inter Milan to domestic titles and the Champions League final with a disciplined tactical approach, the coach finds himself tasked with balancing the defensive Italian philosophy with the attacking football favored by Al-Hilal fans. The Al-Hilal management is demanding that the coach raise the team's performance level and rectify defensive errors to ensure continued competitiveness, especially given Al-Hilal's historical dominance both domestically and continentally.

Details of the astronomical contract and the penalty clause

A key factor contributing to Inzaghi's stability with Al-Hilal is his lucrative contract with the Riyadh-based club. His contract runs until June 2027, with a net annual salary of approximately €26 million , making him the second highest-paid coach in the world, behind Atlético Madrid's Diego Simeone (€34 million). This substantial financial investment, backed by a complex and costly release clause, makes terminating the contract mid-season highly unlikely, both economically and administratively, thus giving the coach greater freedom to implement his ideas.

A fierce battle for the top spot in the Saudi League

These developments come at a time of unprecedented and fierce competition in the league. Al-Hilal currently sits in third place with 58 points, just one point behind league leaders Al-Ahli, and facing stiff competition from Al-Nassr. This tight race among the top three teams puts immense pressure on the coaching staff, as there is no room for further dropped points. The upcoming period represents a turning point for Inzaghi's career, as he will have to translate the administrative confidence and financial support into tangible trophies that satisfy the ambitions of the Al-Hilal fans and restore the club to its rightful place as a champion of the competitions.