Al Hilal Aim for RSL Glory Again; Defender Koulibaly Comments

Al Hilal kick off their Roshn Saudi League title defense tonight against the newly-promoted Al Kholood, with the reigning champions aiming for another season of consistent triumphs.

Under the guidance of Jorge Jesus, the team shattered records in the 2023-24 season, maintaining an unbeaten streak throughout the RSL campaign and setting new benchmarks for points (96), win rate (91 percent), goals-per-match average (2.97), consecutive victories (24), longest home winning streak (16), and the longest consecutive scoring streak (36 matches).

Their 14-point lead to secure the title was the widest margin in RSL history as well.

In total, they played 34 games, secured 31 wins, had 3 draws, and no losses, amassing 96 points with 101 goals scored while conceding just 23.

RSL champions Al Hilal truly had a season to remember #yallaRSL https://t.co/aLrk0NMJOh

With that in mind, how exactly do they plan to outshine last season?

We caught up with defender Kalidou Koulibaly to discuss the strategies for improving on their previous performance, the goals for the 2024-25 season, managing fan expectations, dealing with the pressure of being the team to beat this RSL season, and Neymar’s highly-anticipated return.

How are you approaching this season after last year’s title?

“We approach it with a lot of apprehension; this season is going to be very difficult. We know that last year Al Hilal was the team to beat. It was a very challenging championship in which we managed to remain unbeaten.

“I think that this year, all the teams will be determined to beat Al Hilal. But we have prepared well; we know that this championship will be very tough. All the teams have strengthened themselves, and they will be motivated to perform well against us.

“However, we want to make our supporters, our families, our friends, and especially the people of the club happy. We know that Al Hilal will be expected to perform well on all fronts, but we will be ready to win new titles.”