Simone Inzaghi, the coach of Al-Hilal, confirmed the complete readiness of the “Leader” squad to play the anticipated match against their counterpart Al-Ettifaq, within the competitions of the next round of the Saudi Professional League, stressing that the team has nothing in mind but achieving the three points to continue to sit on the top of the standings.

During the press conference held today, Thursday, to discuss the details of the match, Inzaghi showed great respect for the opponent, pointing to the defensive and tactical solidity of Al-Ettifaq. Inzaghi said in his address: "We are fully prepared to face Al-Ettifaq, and we are well aware of the challenge ahead. They are a tough and tenacious opponent, and the statistics prove it, as the team has suffered only two defeats in their last 14 matches, reflecting their technical stability and strength on the field.".

The Al-Hilal coach concluded his remarks on an optimistic note, saying, "We hope to deliver a truly outstanding performance worthy of Al-Hilal's name and its vast fan base, and we will do everything in our power to overcome Al-Ettifaq." These statements come at a time when the Saudi League is witnessing unprecedented excitement, with no room for error given the relentless pursuit from rivals.

This match holds immense strategic importance in the league this season, as Al-Hilal leads the Roshan League standings with 50 points before kickoff, a mere point ahead of their closest rival and traditional adversary, Al-Nassr, in second place. This narrow margin places added pressure on Inzaghi's squad to secure a victory and either widen the gap or at least maintain it, especially as we approach the crucial stages of the season.

On the other hand, Al-Ettifaq enters the match in sixth place in the standings with 35 points, a position that reflects the team's ambition to compete for a higher ranking and secure a position befitting the club's prestigious history. Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq are historically considered classics of Saudi football, always characterized by intense rivalry and exciting fan engagements, promising a high-level tactical contest between the two sides.

The match is scheduled to take place at the stadium at 6:25 pm tomorrow, Friday, as part of the (22) round of the Roshan League, where sports fans are looking forward to a rich football feast that may draw new features for the competition for the title.

Al-Hilal's Italian coach, Simone Inzaghi, expressed his immense satisfaction with the outstanding performance of French star Karim Benzema, the club's new signing during the last winter transfer window, following the termination of his contract with his former club, Al-Ittihad. These statements confirm the veteran striker's rapid integration into the Blue Wave's system.

During Thursday's press conference ahead of the Al-Ettifaq match, Inzaghi said: "Karim Benzema is a great player, and everyone knows his technical and leadership qualities. He didn't need to score a hat-trick to prove his abilities; his history speaks for itself." The Italian coach added, speaking to the media: "We are very happy to have Benzema join us. A player of his stature and vast experience adds a lot to the team, both on and off the pitch, by guiding his teammates and instilling a winning mentality.".

A fiery start and immediate impact

Inzaghi's comments come on the heels of Benzema's explosive start with Al-Hilal, where the French striker scored a hat-trick in his team's resounding 6-0 victory over Al-Akhdoud. This came in his first official appearance for the club in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League, confirming his readiness to compete for titles and lead the league leaders' attack.

Dimensions of the deal and its impact on competition

Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal takes on particular significance at this crucial juncture in the season, as the Roshan League witnesses a fierce battle for the top spot. Analysts believe that having a player with the "winning instinct" of Benzema, under the guidance of a tactically astute coach like Inzaghi, strengthens Al-Hilal's chances of maintaining their lead, especially given the relentless pursuit from their arch-rivals, Al-Nassr.

Al-Hilal currently leads the Roshan League standings with 50 points, just one point ahead of second-placed Al-Nassr, making every match a must-win cup final. Benzema is expected to play a pivotal role in securing points in the upcoming crucial rounds, given his extensive experience in European and international football.

A highly anticipated match against Al-Ettifaq

On the field, Al-Hilal is preparing to host Al-Ettifaq at 6:25 PM tomorrow, Friday, in the 22nd round of the competition. The match is considered a tough test for Inzaghi's squad, as Al-Ettifaq currently sits in sixth place with 35 points and aims to improve its position in the standings, promising a high-level tactical encounter between the two sides.

In important statements that put an end to public and media speculation, Italian Simone Inzaghi, the technical director of Al-Hilal Saudi Club, revealed the technical and strategic reasons that prompted him to make his "difficult" decision to exclude Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez from the team's local list, preferring to register the young Brazilian Marcos Leonardo instead to complete the Roshan Professional League competitions.

Behind the scenes of the press conference and Inzaghi's justifications

During Thursday's press conference ahead of the upcoming Al-Ettifaq match, Inzaghi spoke candidly about the ongoing debate surrounding the foreign player roster. The Italian coach stated, "I am the coach, and it is my responsibility to select the most suitable squad based on the team's technical and tactical needs at this crucial stage of the season." He further explained, "We initially believed that Marcos Leonardo was younger and possessed the dynamism we need domestically, but ultimately, both Nunez and Leonardo will form a formidable force for the team in the Asian Champions League.".

Inzaghi stressed that limiting the participation of a star of Darwin Nunez’s caliber to the AFC Champions League Elite only was not an easy choice, saying: “The decision to register Nunez only in the Asian Champions League was extremely difficult, given his great potential, but the rules of the list and the technical needs imposed this direction.”.

Marcus Leonardo: Impressive numbers and a determination to stay

Marcos Leonardo's selection was not arbitrary, but rather based on concrete and tangible results during the recent winter transfer window. The player demonstrated strong commitment to the club by refusing to leave and rejecting all tempting offers, most notably a move to Atlético Madrid. This stance reinforced the coaching staff's confidence in him and their reliance on him in domestic competitions.

In terms of numbers, Leonardo, who came from Benfica of Portugal in the summer of the 24/25 season, has delivered remarkable performances this season, participating in 24 matches, during which he scored 14 goals and made one assist in 1628 minutes of play, making him a key pillar in the Blues' attack.

Nunez and the Asian Challenge

Meanwhile, Darwin Núñez (26 years old), who arrived from Liverpool at the direct request of Inzaghi, faces a new challenge to prove himself on the continental stage. Despite being sidelined domestically, his statistics remain impressive, having participated in 23 matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists for his teammates in 1577 minutes. He will be heavily relied upon to lead Al-Hilal to continental glory.

The battle for the top spot and the clash with Al-Ittifaq

These tactical decisions come at a very crucial time in the league, as the title race heats up. Al-Hilal is preparing to host Al-Ettifaq tomorrow evening, Friday, in a must-win match in round 22.

Al-Hilal enters the match sitting atop the Roshan League standings with 50 points, just one point ahead of its closest rival and traditional competitor, Al-Nasr Club, making every match a cup final to maintain the top spot, while Al-Ettifaq, in sixth place (35 points), seeks to improve its position in the standings.