RIYADH: The new Roshn Saudi League season begins this week with three of the country’s biggest clubs preparing for what promises to be the most competitive campaign yet. Reigning champions Al-Ittihad open their title defense on Saturday away to Al-Akhdoud, but coach Laurent Blanc has warned that the challenge of repeating last year’s domestic double will be even tougher. “We feel very good about starting a new season, especially after the success of the previous one,” Blanc said.