'We need to proud' - Inzaghi hails Al Hilal FIFA Club World Cup run | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi paid tribute to his fearless Al Hilal following their journey to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Roshn Saudi League side represented the competition and their country brilliantly in the United States this past fortnight, where they played superbly in particular against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Al Hilal opened their Group H account with a dazzling display in the 1-1 draw with Madrid and eventually advanced to the knockout stage as runners-up in the pool with a win against Mexico's FC Pachuca.

In the last 16, they defeated City 4-3 in extra-time to record one of the most notable victories in the history of Saudi club football. However, Al Hilal’s campaign concluded in the last eight on Friday, when they were beaten 2-1 by Brazil’s Fluminense.

Speaking afterwards, Inzaghi championed his new team’s performance at the Club World Cup, made all the more impressive given the Italian took charge of the 2023-24 RSL champions only two weeks before their tournament began.

“I congratulate my players on their heroic performance, both in tonight's match and in the tournament in general,” the former Inter Milan manager said. “I really want to congratulate my squad for the way they played.

“They poured their hearts out on the pitch tonight. And, of course, we are sorry, but we need to be proud."

Inzaghi added: "I am proud to coach Al Hilal and proud of all the players in the team, and I congratulated them all without exception for the wonderful level they presented in the Club World Cup."

Defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who scored in that famous win against City, said also: "Despite the significant absences like [Aleksandar] Mitrovic, Salem Al Dawsari, and Hassan Al Tambakti, we performed excellently and proved that Saudi football is advancing and competing globally."“We are happy with what we presented, and we hold our heads high... [we have shown] we have a league capable of competing with the world's elite."