Roberto Mancini, one of the world’s best, will step down as Saudi Arabia’s coach.
Saudi Arabia’s soccer federation issued a statement on the 25th (Korea time) saying, “We mutually agreed to terminate the contract with Mancini,” adding, “The new coach will be announced within a few days after the contract process ends.”
Saudi Arabia has only won one of its last five games and remains in third place with five points in Group C of the third qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup in Asia.
The separation between the two sides was decisive in the two third qualifying matches held this month. Saudi Arabia lost to Japan 0-2 at home and drew 0-0 with Indonesia on the road. Even if a loss to Japan had been expected, the draw with Indonesia, considered the weakest in Group C, was fatal.
Mancini is a world-renowned master who coached the Italian national team and Lazio, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
He won the Serie A title for three consecutive years (2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08) under Inter Milan, won the Premier League (2011–12) under Manchester City, and gave Italy its first trophy in 53 years at the 2021 European Championship (Euro 2020).
Mancini took the helm of Saudi Arabia in August last year, and Italian media reported that his annual salary amounts to 25 million euros. He was by far the highest paid coach at the Asian Cup that ended early this month.
However, after taking the helm of Saudi Arabia, his career as a coach was on the decline.
First, he was criticized for “early leaving work” in the round of 16 at the Asian Cup against South Korea.
Cho Kyu-sung was allowed to score an equalizer just before the end of the second half, but he was eliminated in the round of 16 because the third and fourth kickers missed one after another in the penalty shootout.
However, when Saudi Arabia’s second miss came out during the penalty shootout, he kicked out and headed to the tunnel. Criticism poured out from Saudi Arabia to Mancini, who left the post without the team’s victory or defeat being completely decided. 스포츠토토
Chairman Almichhal said in an interview with a local broadcasting company, “It is difficult to understand why director Manchini left the ground,” adding, “I will discuss with the director why he did so.”
Asked for an explanation of the move, Mancini said, “I apologize. I thought the game was over,” adding, “I had no intention of disrespecting anyone.”