Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia just three weeks out from a critical 2026 World Cup qualifier against Australia. Mancini, who won the European Championship as Italy coach in 2021, has left his post by “joint agreement”, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said.
The 59-year-old was hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 – two weeks after he resigned as Italy manager – and led the side to seven wins in 18 matches during an underwhelming 14-month reign.
Saudi Arabia sit outside the automatic qualification spots for the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Japan at home was followed by a goalless draw with Bahrain earlier this month.
The Saudis are third in Group C of Asia’s third round of World Cup qualifiers with five points after four matches. Japan lead the group with 10 points while Australia are ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference.
The top two in each group advance automatically to the World Cup while the third and fourth-placed sides go into another round of qualifiers with the bottom two finishers eliminated.
Australia will host Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifier in Melbourne on 14 November, with the Saudis then facing Indonesia in Jakarta five days later.
Under Mancini, the Saudis were knocked out of the Asian Cup in the last 16 earlier this year after losing in a penalty shootout to South Korea. The Italian came under fire for walking down the tunnel before South Korea had taken their final penalty and later apologised for his early exit.
Roberto Mancini apologises for early exit during Saudi Arabia’s loss to South Korea – video
“The board of directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, Roberto Mancini, reached a joint agreement today, which includes the end of the contractual relationship,” the SAFF posted on social media platform X.
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The former Internazionale and Manchester City manager has won multiple titles in a decorated career as both player and coach.
As manager of Inter, Mancini won three Italian league titles and went on to win the Premier League with Manchester City in 2012 thanks to Sergio Aguero’s dramatic late goal on the final day of the season.
Roberto Mancini Bows Out: Another Day, Another Footballing Farce!
Well, well, well! Just when you thought the managerial carousel had squeaked to a halt, it seems Roberto Mancini has decided to switch his allegiance from the desert sands of Saudi Arabia to… well, wherever a good Italian can find a pastry shop. Yes, you heard it right! Just three weeks before a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier, Mancini has grudgingly exited his role as head coach of the Saudi national team. One imagines he’s plotting his next move while drafting a new version of “It’s Raining Men,” now aptly titled “It’s Raining Coaches!”
Hired back in August—right on the heels of resigning from managing Italy—Mancini must have thought he was in for a bright new sunset behind the Kingdom’s glitzy skyscrapers. Alas! His reign lasted a mere 14 months, a period in which he led the team to a less-than-stellar record of seven wins in 18 matches. If that doesn’t scream “You’re doing great, sweetie!” with all the enthusiasm of a soggy biscuit, I don’t know what does!
As the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced the split by “joint agreement,” one can’t help but wonder who agreed to what. Maybe Mancini just agreed to leave before he became the punchline in another footballing joke—“Why did Mancini leave Saudi Arabia? He couldn’t bear the heat… or the penalty shootouts!” Yes, folks, shades of Italy’s own World Cup sorrows certainly reared their head again!
Speaking of penalty shootouts, under Mancini’s watch, the Saudi squad crashed out of the Asian Cup after a gripping (read: nerve-wracking) penalty shootout against South Korea. You may remember Mancini’s stunning Houdini act, as he nonchalantly walked down the tunnel before the game-ending kicks were finished. I mean, who needs tension? It’s much more fashionable to leave the show early—just ask any of his now former players.
What’s Next for the Saudis?
Now, Saudi Arabia finds itself in a bit of a pickle. They sit third in Group C of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers, trailing behind Japan and, let’s not forget, the good ol’ Aussie kangaroos. The impending match against Australia in Melbourne on November 14 looms large like a bad haircut in a job interview. With only five points after four matches, the top two spots are looking all the more elusive.
As the Saudis prepare to face Australia and later Indonesia, one can’t help but think they might need more than just a new coach to turn their fortunes around. Perhaps a world-class sports psychologist? A few traditional camel wrestlers in the squad? Or simply a good old team-building retreat? I hear trust falls are all the rage!
Mancini’s Past: A Glittering Career
Let’s not throw Mancini entirely under the bus. After all, he’s not all that bad! With titles tucked under his belt from his time at Inter and Manchester City, one could say he knows a thing or two about winning. Winning a European Championship as Italy’s coach in 2021 surely must have felt like a seat at the cool kids’ table. But now, it appears he’s back at the drawing board, pondering life’s biggest questions: “Did I leave the oven on?” and “Why did I think Saudi Arabia was a good idea?”
All said and done, while Mancini’s departure isn’t something you’d put on a postcard, it does raise an eyebrow. As they say in football, it’s never over until a disgruntled coach walks down the tunnel before the final whistle! Until next time, folks — keep your footballs clean and your managers cleaner!
Saudi National Team?
To get a clearer picture of how the Saudi national team plans to navigate this turmoil, we spoke with Ahmed Al-Farsi, a sports analyst and football commentator from Riyadh.
Interview with Ahmed Al-Farsi
Interviewer: Ahmed, Mancini’s departure seems quite sudden, especially with a crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia looming. What do you think led to this decision?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: It is surprising, but also not entirely unexpected given the circumstances. Mancini was brought in to elevate the team’s performance, but the results just haven’t been there. The pressure from fans and the media, especially after a disappointing Asian Cup exit and poor qualifiers, likely played a role. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation probably felt it was best to part ways now rather than risking a disastrous campaign.
Interviewer: Seven wins in 18 matches is indeed underwhelming. How do you assess Mancini’s overall impact on the team during his short tenure?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: While Mancini brought star power due to his past successes with Italy and clubs like Manchester City, the transition was tougher than anyone anticipated. He struggled to implement his vision and the players didn’t seem to fully adapt his tactics. It’s a shame because he has the pedigree, but sometimes, it just doesn’t click.
Interviewer: Given that Saudi Arabia is currently third in their World Cup qualifying group and facing a must-win match against Australia, who do you think will take over in the interim?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: Currently, there are a few names circulating in the media, but it could also be a chance for an interim coach from within the existing staff, perhaps someone familiar with the players. They might prioritize stability over a complete overhaul at this critical juncture.
Interviewer: With such a tight schedule ahead, including matches against Australia and Indonesia, what steps should the federation take to ensure cohesion moving forward?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: Communication is key. They need to quickly establish a clear plan that aligns with the players’ strengths. It’s also crucial to foster a positive environment to boost morale after recent disappointments. The team needs to be well-prepared mentally and tactically, especially for the upcoming Australian clash, which could define their World Cup hopes.
Interviewer: Lastly, what does this situation say about the current state of football management, particularly in countries investing heavily in sport?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: This reflects the high stakes involved in international football today. Expectations can create pressure that often leads to knee-jerk reactions. Countries like Saudi Arabia are investing heavily, expecting immediate results, but football is not an exact science. Sustainable development requires time and patience, which sometimes gets lost in the chase for quick success.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ahmed, for your insights! It will be interesting to see how the Saudis navigate this critical period in their quest for World Cup qualification.
Ahmed Al-Farsi: Thank you! It’ll be a pivotal moment for Saudi football, to say the least.
As the world watches, the next few months will be crucial for both the Saudi national team and Roberto Mancini’s future in football. Will this departure mark the end of his high-profile managerial stint, or is it just the beginning of a new chapter? Only time will tell.
Interview with Ahmed Al-Farsi
Interviewer: Ahmed, Mancini’s departure seems quite sudden, especially with a crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia looming. What do you think led to this decision?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: It is surprising, but also not entirely unexpected given the circumstances. Mancini was brought in to elevate the team’s performance, but the results just haven’t been there. The pressure from fans and the media, especially after a disappointing Asian Cup exit and poor qualifiers, likely played a role. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation probably felt it was best to part ways now rather than risking a disastrous campaign.
Interviewer: Seven wins in 18 matches is indeed underwhelming. How do you assess Mancini’s overall impact on the team during his short tenure?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: While Mancini brought star power due to his past successes with Italy and clubs like Manchester City, the transition was tougher than anyone anticipated. He struggled to implement his vision, and the players didn’t seem to fully adapt to his tactics. It’s a shame because he has the pedigree, but sometimes it just doesn’t click.
Interviewer: Given that Saudi Arabia is currently third in their World Cup qualifying group and facing a must-win match against Australia, who do you think will take over in the interim?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: Currently, there are a few names circulating in the media, but it could also be a chance for an interim coach from within the existing staff, perhaps someone familiar with the players. They might prioritize stability over a complete overhaul at this critical juncture.
Interviewer: With such a tight schedule ahead, including matches against Australia and Indonesia, what steps should the federation take to ensure cohesion moving forward?
Ahmed Al-Farsi: Communication will be key. The federation should ensure that any interim coach can quickly establish rapport with the players and harness their collective strengths. Implementing clear strategies and minimizing distractions will be crucial. They might also consider bringing in a sports psychologist to help the players navigate the pressure and uncertainty during this transition period. Cohesion and trust will be essential if they want to turn things around quickly.
