Al-Hilal confirm Inzaghi ‘decided' Inter exit before Final defeat
The CEO of Al-Hilal confirms that Simone Inzaghi had 'decided, but not signed' his contract before the Champions League Final, so already knew he was leaving Inter.
The coach had tried to paint it as a choice that wasn't made until after the 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, which meant that Inter ended the campaign empty-handed for the only time in his four-year tenure.
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However, chief executive Esteve Calzada told BBC Sport that this was a diplomatic way to discuss a premeditated exit.
'It might look like it's something that came quickly, but it's the result of hard work,' said Calzada.
'He was playing a massive match and asked [us] to keep things aside until after the final, it was decided but not signed before the final, just because out of respect he asked us to wait, which is certainly fair enough.'
Al-Hilal already had Inzaghi pledge
epa12148236 Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi looks disappointed after receiving the runner-up medals of the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano in Munich, Germany 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER
Inzaghi was still under contract with Inter until June 2026, but had been in advanced negotiations to sign an extension.
Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta certainly seemed to be blindsided, admitting the club found itself 'partly unprepared' for finding a new tactician in time for the 2025 Club World Cup.
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Al-Hilal are also participating, so Inzaghi will get his debut on Wednesday against Real Madrid, kicking off at 20.00 UK time.
You can watch all the action from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by)
'This season we came off second, that's below par for what is expected from us,' continued the Al-Hilal chief.
'And very simply what we expect from the new coach is that he helps us to win again and to re-establish our championship.'
They will also be facing RB Salzburg and Pachuca in the Group H fixtures.
'We're not here to exchange shirts with Real Madrid players, or only for the exposure. We have a very talented squad, with the addition of a world-renowned new coach with us and with that we go to the tournament with the maximum ambition.'
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