Koulibaly reveals Inzaghi’s half-time anger inspired Al Hilal comeback

Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed that Simone Inzaghi’s anger at half-time helped Al Hilal secure a 3-2 victory over Al Qadsiah in the Roshn Saudi League on Friday.

The result, recorded in round 11, moved Al Hilal to the top of the table on 27 points. They are two points clear of both Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah.

Al Hilal led the match after the break despite the sides going into half-time level at 1-1. Koulibaly said Inzaghi was unhappy with his team’s failure to make the most of its opportunities during the opening 45 minutes.

“Inzaghi was angry with the players at half-time and spoke to us in the dressing room about the need to score in the second half,” the Senegalese defender told reporters.

“He told us that our team could have scored as many goals as possible in the first half, but we did not do that. He asked us to impose our control and not lose possession, and that is what happened. We won the points from the match.”

The victory maintained Al Hilal’s position at the summit after a match in which Inzaghi demanded a more productive performance in front of goal.

Koulibaly’s comments provided an insight into the Italian manager’s half-time instructions as Al Hilal responded after the interval to claim all three points.