Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Al Hilal President Fahad Bin Nafel confirmed that preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup began as early as 2023, with a clear strategy to build a competitive squad by recruiting top players in their positions.

He described the recent appointment of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi as a transformative step in the club’s tactical and technical development.

In a video message shared on the club’s official X account, Bin Nafel said: “Our Club World Cup preparations started long ago. The most important recent step was signing Simone Inzaghi — one of the best managers in the world. His arrival is a major shift for Al Hilal, and we hope it leads to championships and new successes for the club.”

Bin Nafel emphasized that Inzaghi’s coaching style requires specific player profiles, and the club had been working to secure reinforcements that align with his approach.

However, time constraints and inflated transfer demands forced the club to proceed with the current squad for the tournament.

“The special transfer window before the Club World Cup lasts just 10 days. Options were limited compared to the summer market. Many players we spoke with preferred to rest after a long season and join during the summer preseason. That’s when we’ll have better opportunities to meet the technical staff’s needs,” he added.

He concluded with a message to the fans: “Your support is vital. You are the driving force behind the team. As management, we strive to make the right decisions, and when we falter, we act quickly to correct our course. With Inzaghi on board, this is an important phase, and with time, we’ll meet all the requirements to keep Al Hilal where it belongs. Next season will be even better.”