Inzaghi recalls Al-Ittihad’s dark past… and discusses Benzema’s situation

Inzaghi said in comments at the pre-match press conference, as reported by the Saudi newspaper *Al-Riyadiah*: “We trained well yesterday, and today we’ll train after the press conference; we’re trying to prepare as best we can, and I’m delighted that matches are resuming quickly to bring joy to our fans.”

Al-Hilal go into the match four days after a setback last Saturday, when they drew 2-2 with Al-Taawoun at the Kingdom Arena in the 27th round of the Roshen League.

Inzaghi also spoke about the surprise caused by Al-Khulud when they knocked Al-Ittihad out of the semi-finals of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, qualifying for the final for the first time in their history and setting up another clash against Al-Hilal.

Inzagi said on this matter: “Tomorrow’s match will not affect the cup tie; Al-Khulud deserve to be in the final, but we must focus on the league fixture.”

He added: “They have the same manager, and in the winter they managed to make some changes to the squad. They are a well-organised team, and in their last match against Al-Khaleej they put in a good performance.”

The Italian manager also commented on the performances of the new signings brought in by "Al-Zaeem" during the recent winter transfer window.

He explained: “Any player, especially those who joined us in January, needs time to settle into their new team.”

He added: “Simon Boabri, Mohammed Qadir Miti and Sultan Mandash have joined us; they come from different backgrounds and need time to settle in.”

He continued: “As Miti mentioned before the Al-Taawoun match, it is natural that new players need some time to make the impact the fans are hoping for.”

Inzaghi also spoke about the availability of his French striker Karim Benzema for the Al-Khulood match, after he missed the last game against Al-Taawoun due to a toe injury.

He said: “We’ll see how Benzema is today, and as for all the players who were out of the last match – such as Benzema, Salem (Al-Dossari) and Bouabri – we’ll see if they’re fit to play in tomorrow’s match.”

On the other hand, Inzaghi insisted that Al-Hilal are not suffering from any lack of firepower this season, pointing out that the team has the second-strongest attack in the Saudi Pro League (69 goals), behind Al-Nassr (76).

He explained: “As for our attack, we are the second-best attacking line-up, and we have had plenty of chances; we must capitalise on them, as in the match against Al-Taawoun.”

He concluded: “But with increased focus on the defensive side and capitalising on the chances we create, we will improve; and despite the lack of time, we must improve.”

Al-Hilal are second in the Saudi Pro League table with 65 points, five points behind leaders Al-Nassr and ahead of Al-Ahli, who are third, on goal difference.

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