Al-Hilal CEO Reveals ‘Inzaghi Was Our First Choice’ – Adds ‘Timing Was Tricky With Inter Milan In Champions League Final’ | OneFootball

The CEO of Al-Hilal admits that the “timing was tricky” negotiating to appoint Simone Inzaghi due to Inter Milan being in the Champions League final.

Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada spoke about the process of bringing the 49-year-old in to Marca, via FCInterNews. He also stated that Inzgahi had been the club’s first choice.

Earlier this month, Al-Hilal confirmed the arrival of Simone Inzaghi as their new coach.

The former Lazio coach left Inter after four years at the helm to become the Saudi Pro League club’s coach.

There had been speculation about Inzaghi’s future for several weeks before he actually confirmed that he was leaving Inter.

Reports indicated that the Nerazzurri coach was in negotiations with Al-Hilal for much of May.

This was in the midst of Inter’s preparations for the Champions League final. Therefore, it was already a turbulent and high-tension atmosphere around the Nerazzurri and their coach.

Al-Hilal CEO: “Inzaghi Negotiations Tricky With Inter In UCL Final”

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada remarked that “The negotiations were tricky.”

“But we’re very happy. Because we’ve signed a world-class coach, one of the best in the world, with a proven track record of success.”

Calzada said that Simone Inzaghi “has been able to get the best out of teams that aren’t necessarily made up of great players.”

“He hasn’t won the Champions League. But he’s reached two finals in three years.”

As far as negotiations for Inzaghi go, Calzada said that “what complicated and slowed down the process was, first of all, the fact that he wanted to think about it.”

‘Because he was very attached to Inter. And above all, because of the timing, as he had the Champions League final.”

“He asked us with all due respect that he be able to focus on that,” said the Al-Hilal CEO. “And make a decision immediately afterwards.”

Then, Calzada confirmed that “We were very clear that Simone Inzaghi was our first choice.”