Royal Al-Hilal ends Jorge Jesus contract

Riyadh

Saudi football club Al-Hilal has ended its contract with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. This decision came soon after the team’s 3-1 loss to Al-Ahli in the Asian Champions League Elite semifinals.

Al-Hilal is currently second in the Saudi Pro League, six points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad. With five games left this season, the club still has a chance to close the gap. Al-Hilal is also set to play in the Club World Cup in the United States this summer.

In a statement, the club confirmed that both parties agreed to end their contract. They thanked Jesus and his staff for their work since last season.

Former club legend Mohammed Al-Shalhoub will take over as interim coach for the rest of the season. Al-Shalhoub spent his entire playing career at Al-Hilal and is one of the most successful players in Saudi football. He has won 34 trophies — 33 with Al-Hilal and one with the national team.

Al-Ittihad currently leads the league with 68 points, followed by Al-Hilal with 62 points. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr sits third with 60 points.

Al-Hilal’s remaining matches are against Al-Raed on May 7, then Al-Orobah, Al Fateh, Al-Wehda, and Al-Qadisiyah. The season will end on May 26.

The club now hopes to finish strong under Al-Shalhoub’s leadership.