The Saudi Arabia national team has announced that they have parted ways with head coach Roberto Mancini.
Both parties reached a mutual agreement on Thursday, October 24, 2024, regarding ending their partnership.
Saudi Arabia’s Statement Regarding Ending Their Ties With Roberto Mancini
Confirming their decision to halt their ties with Mancini, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation put out a statement on their website which read:
“The Board of Directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, “Roberto Mancini”, reached a joint agreement today that includes the end of the contractual relationship.”
Roberto Mancini became manager of the Saudi Arabia men’s national team on August 27, 2023, and he took charge of 18 matches, drawing 5, losing 6 and winning 7.
Why Have Saudi Arabia Opted To End Their Partnership With Roberto Mancini?
Reports claim that Saudi Arabia decided to end their partnership with Mancini due to a run of poor results, fights with the press, and arguments with the fans.
It appears Roberto Mancini also had a frosty relationship with players of Saudi Arabia and on January 15, 2024, the eve of their opening match at the Asian Cup, he said that three players had been dropped because they allegedly wanted to pick and choose which games to play.
Former Saudi Arabia national team captain Salman Al-Faraj, Sultan Al-Ghannam, and goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi all strongly refuted the claim.
During the Asian Cup Mancini walked down the tunnel before South Korea’s final penalty in a shootout that eliminated Saudi Arabia, but apologized for his action in a post-match presser.
Roberto Mancini said: “I apologize for leaving early, I thought it had finished.”
Mancini has also regularly complained that home-grown forwards don’t get enough playing time in the Saudi Pro League, stressing that the division is populated by big signings from Europe’s top clubs.
Saudi Arabia In 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Saudi Arabia has struggled in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers under Mancini, with surprise draws against low-ranked sides Bahrain, Tajikistan, and Indonesia.
They have also suffered home defeats against Japan and Jordan while winning Pakistan, Tajikistan, and China thus far in the qualifiers.
Saudi Arabia are outside automatic qualification places for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they sit 3rd in their group, below Japan and Australia, who sit 1st and 2nd, respectively.
However, they are amongst the qualification spots for the next stage, as Bahrain, Indonesia, and China are below them.
Roberto Mancini With Italy
Before his stint with the Asian nation, Roberto Mancini managed Italy between May 2018 and August 2023 and he led the country to the 2020 European Championship title.
The 59-year-old failed to secure Italy a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but his spell as boss of the Azzuri can be considered a success, having helped them claim the UEFA European Championships.
Mancini has in the past also tutored teams like Inter Milan, Manchester City, Lazio, and Galatasaray.
Who Is Roberto Mancini?
He is an Italian football manager and former player who was most recently the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national football team.
Roberto Mancini’s Personal Information?
Roberto Mancini was born on November 27, 1964, in Jesi, Italy, to father Aldo and mother Marianna Mancini.
Mancini has a younger sister, whose name is Stephanie Mancini.
Clubs He Has Managed In His Coaching Career
Roberto Mancini has handled several teams in his career, including Zenit Saint Petersburg, Inter Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina, and Galatasaray.
His Managerial Achievements?
Roberto Mancini has won several trophies in his managerial career, including 1 UEFA European Championship, 3 Serie A titles, and 1 Premier League title.
Roberto Mancini’s Net Worth?
The 59-year-old’s net worth is estimated to be between the region of €45 million – €55 million.
