Saudi Arabia have announced their new manager after parting ways with former Italy national team manager Roberto Mancini.
Mancini, who assumed the reins as the Saudi national team in August 2023, reportedly earned £21million-a-year before leaving the role after just 14 months in charge.
The offer made the Italian football veteran and former Man City boss the highest-paid national team head coach in the world. And that was not all; his contract with the team involved a sky-high severance pay worth €20m without tax.
Why Roberto Mancini was sacked
According to a Saudi outlet, Mancini was close to keeping his job despite a not-so-stellar run with the team, but his personality was challenging. He was described by the Saudi football media as being ‘cold, detached, with an air of superiority that distanced him from the people.’
This reportedly posed a challenge to his relationship with football officials, including interaction with the players.
Mancini leaves having upset the locals at this year’s Asian Cup, which appears to be the point that led to his downfall as manager.
During a penalty shoot-out against Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea, which Saudi Arabia would go on to lose, Mancini left before the defeat was even decided and was forced to apologize.
Earlier this month, Mancini had been seen arguing with a group of supporters following Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Bahrain.
Mancini had also spoken out against the impact of the Saudi Pro League’s investment in overseas talent, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mancini leaves having upset the locals at this year’s Asian Cup, which appears to be the point that led to his downfall as manager
He was in charge for 20 matches, of which he won eight, drew seven, and lost five.
Saudi Arabia appoint new manager for the national team after sacking Roberto Mancini
Saudi Arabia have now re-appointed Herve Renard, who previously managed them between 2019 and 2023.
The Saudi Arabian FA shared a social media clip to unveil Renard, with the Frenchman declaring that his story with the team was not yet finished.
The clip showed memorable moments from his first spell in charge, with Renard then stating ‘I’m back’.
During his previous spell in charge, Renard led Saudi Arabia to a memorable victory against eventual champions Argentina in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup.
However, Saudi Arabia failed to progress into the knockout rounds. After his departure, Renard took charge of the French Women’s team.
He previously won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.
Renard will be tasked with turning around Saudi Arabia’s form, with the nation lying third in Group C of the third round of Asia’s qualification process for the 2026 World Cup.
The top two in the group qualify automatically for the World Cup, with the teams in third and fourth advancing to a fourth round of the qualification process.
Saudi Arabia are level on points with second-placed Australia after one win, two draws, and one defeat in their opening four matches.
