– I didn't run away anywhere. I haven't killed anyone and I deserve respect. I don't think I deserve all this mud that is thrown my way. I simply resigned and said it was my choice, I took full responsibility for this decision – this is how Roberto Mancini explained his decision to leave the Italian national teamwith whom he won Euro 2020, for Saudi Arabia. What convinced him? Mainly a great salary, even around EUR 25 million per year. However, his term turned out to be a total failure.
Roberto Mancini did not take Saudi Arabia to the top. A series of disappointments and a threatened participation in the World Championships
Under the leadership of a successful coach, the Asian tycoon constantly failed. The defeat in the 1/8 finals of the continental championship was exceptionally painful, especially since the Italian sidelined three key players just before the tournament.
Later, the team he led was disappointing in the World Cup qualifying rounds – in the second round it won two out of four matches (a draw with Tajikistan and a defeat against Jordan), and in the third round it has so far won only five out of 12 possible points, which may significantly complicate its path to the World Championships.
Roberto Mancini will no longer coach the Saudi Arabia national team
After the October training camp, during which the Saudis lost to Japan (0-2) and drew with Bahrain (0-0), the activists decided to react. And on Thursday they announced their decision regarding the 59-year-old. “The Management Board of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and national team coach Roberto Mancini today reached an agreement to end their cooperation,” said a statement on the X website.
For now, it is not known where the Italian will work next. It is rather out of the question to return to the native federation, which even examined the possibility of obtaining compensation from the trainer for failure to fulfill the contract. However, he should have other options, because his extensive CV includes Inter Milan (including three Italian championships), Manchester City (championship and FA Super Cup) and Galatasaray (Turkish Cup).
Roberto Mancini led the Saudi Arabian national team in 18 matches. He won seven of them, drew five and lost six, which gives him an average of 1.44 points per match. Who can become his successor? Recently, it was pointed out, among others: on Zinedine Zidane.