The decision of the Italian coach of Al-Hilal, Simone Inzaghi, has sparked controversy and confusion among the fans of “Al-Za’eem” and followers of the Saudi Roshan League, after his surprising stance on the young Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, which appeared to be a tactical exclusion from his plans for the team’s important match against Al-Ettifaq.
According to sources close to the club, Inzaghi instructed the 22-year-old Leonardo to undergo individual training, a clear indication that he will not be included in either the starting lineup or the substitutes' bench for the match against Al-Ettifaq in the 22nd round of the league. This decision has raised many questions, especially as it comes at a crucial point in the season, with Al-Hilal leading the standings by just one point over their rivals, Al-Nassr.
General context: Al-Hilal's strategy between local and continental competitions
To understand the implications of Inzaghi's decision, one must consider the broader context in which Saudi Arabia's top clubs currently operate. With substantial backing from the Public Investment Fund and the booming Roshan League, clubs like Al-Hilal boast squads brimming with international stars. However, AFC regulations impose limits on the number of foreign players allowed in the AFC Champions League, forcing coaching staffs to make difficult strategic decisions.
In this context, Al-Hilal registered Marcos Leonardo in their domestic squad for the Roshan League, while Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez was allocated to the Asian Champions League squad. This allocation aims to maximize each player's potential in the tournament the coach deems most suitable, but it also creates challenges in maintaining the fitness and morale of all the players.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
Inzaghi's decision reflects a significant tactical gamble. Domestically, Leonardo, who joined from Benfica, is a veritable goal machine, having scored 14 goals in 24 matches – an impressive tally that makes him a crucial weapon in the title race. His exclusion, even for a single match, could be interpreted as a disciplinary or tactical message, especially after the player rejected offers to leave during the winter transfer window, most notably from Atlético Madrid.
On the regional level, relying on Darwin Núñez, who arrived from Liverpool, in the AFC Champions League indicates Inzaghi's confidence in the player's European experience and physical attributes, which may be better suited to the demanding continental competition. Núñez, who scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists in 23 matches, offers different dimensions to the game, including his strength and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. The success of this strategy will bolster Al Hilal's ambitions of achieving a historic double (the domestic league title and the Asian championship), while any setback could lead to harsh criticism of the Italian coach.
Al-Hilal is preparing to face its guest Al-Ettifaq on Friday evening, and it is leading the standings with 50 points, while Al-Ettifaq is in sixth place with 35 points, which makes the match a real test of Inzaghi’s options and the team’s ability to continue its victories without one of its top scorers.
