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Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team by mutual consent.
Football manager Roberto Mancini (AP)
Roberto Mancini was fired Thursday as coach of the Saudi Arabian national team after 14 months in the job following a string of poor results, officials said.
The Saudi FA has reached a “mutual agreement” to terminate the contract of Mancini, 59, who signed a lucrative deal in August last year, it said in a statement.
“The Saudi Football Federation announces that it has reached an agreement to terminate the contract of national team coach Roberto Mancini and confirms that the name of the new coach will be announced within days,” the statement said.
Mancini, who led his native Italy to victory at Euro 2020 during a trophy-laden career, managed seven wins, six defeats and five draws with the Green Falcons.
The knives were out for the former Manchester City and Inter Milan boss after defeat at home to Japan and a draw with Gulf rivals Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“The SFF (Saudi Football Federation) is negotiating with Mancini to terminate his contract after the defeat against Japan,” a source at the body, who did not want to be named, told AFP.
“The situation is not easy because Mancini believes he has not been given a full chance, in addition to the fact that the contract is very massive.
“Poor results and unconvincing performances in the last term have forced the SFF to make a change.”
The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager won numerous titles in a storied career as a player and coach.
But he failed to lead Saudi Arabia to victory in this year’s Asian Cup – exiting the tournament in the round of 16.
His actions during that match in Qatar also caused controversy when he left before the end of his team’s penalty shootout loss against South Korea. He later apologized.
Mancini was hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 – two weeks after leaving his post in charge of Italy.
As manager of Inter Milan, he won three Italian league titles and won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013 thanks to Sergio Aguero’s dramatic late goal on the final day of the season.
(With information from the agencies)
- location:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
