Inzaghi on Real Madrid: Al Hilal have 'passion and confidence' at FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

In his first press conference as Al Hilal manager, Simone Inzaghi spoke of the fresh challenge, but also of the status of the club he has joined.

Yes, the former Inter Milan head coach may have had only four training sessions with the team since his appointment was confirmed.

And, yes, his debut in the Al Hilal dugout comes against European powerhouses Real Madrid, at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, in Miami on Wednesday.

However, a day out from that testing first game, Inzaghi cut a content figure. Al Hilal, he said, are adapting to the conditions – Miami has been much hotter than Washington, where they camped for a few days – and embracing the challenge that lies ahead in the much-anticipated Group H opener.

He is clearly enjoying, also, his early days at the Roshn Saudi League club. The first week of the tournament, too.

"I have watched many matches, and the teams here play fiercely,” Inzaghi said on Tuesday. “We have passion and confidence here, and we will strive to give our best.

“Our ambition at Al Hilal is to be one of the best clubs. We will face Real Madrid, and we know it will be a tough match, but we are ready for it."

The 2023-24 RSL champions are seeking a reset following last season’s runner-up finish.

Jorge Jesus departed in May, after the team’s AFC Champions League Elite semi-final exit to eventual champions Al Ahli, and club legend Mohammed Al Shalhoub steered the club as caretaker through the conclusion of the domestic campaign.

"It's natural that there are a lot of expectations in our first match and we tried to prepare in the best way possible," Inzaghi said. “It's true that the time wasn't enough, as we only had four training sessions, but the players showed great seriousness and a clear desire to adapt to our new style.

"Al Hilal are a well-established club; they have a group of wonderful players who have exceeded my expectations in terms of their level. We have a great harmony between the local and foreign players. We hope that the fans will support us and appreciate the work we are doing.

Inzaghi, who confirmed star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will miss the Madrid match because of a calf injury, said of Wednesday’s glamour opponents: "It's a team that needs no introduction.

"Perhaps [recently appointed Real Madrid manager] Xabi Alonso and I are in a similar situation as we are new coaches for our teams, but I know their style well from his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

“The situation for us and Real Madrid is very similar. Both teams had a bad season and are in a phase of change, and this requires us to make great efforts to give a successful season.

“[Tomorrow] will be a great match between two teams with high ambitions."