2023-08-28 17:57:07
“Our goal is to try to win the Asian Cup 27 years later (Saudi Arabia won the 1996 edition, editor’s note)”, declared the 58-year-old technician, appointed the day before at the head of the “Falcons ” for a period of four years.
“We have four months, four friendlies. We have two qualifying matches for the World Cup and then we have 20 days to prepare for the Asian Cup”, disputed in Qatar, detailed the former coach of the Nazionale, crowned European champion in 2021.
“We know there are a lot of top teams like Japan, Australia, South Korea. But I’m sure we’ll go there and try to win,” he said. he adds.
The former player of Sampdoria Genoa and Lazio Rome and ex-coach of Inter Milan and Manchester City posed Monday with the green jersey of the Saudi selection flocked “Mancini 2027”, expiry of his contract.
The Italian succeeded Hervé Renard. Under the direction of the Frenchman, who left to train the French women’s team, Saudi Arabia created a sensation at the last World Cup in Qatar by beating Argentina’s Lionel Messi, future world champion, 2 to 1 in the group stage. .
Much criticized in Italy after resigning from his post in mid-August, Mancini had initially assured the press that the interest shown in him by Saudi Arabia did not explain his decision.
The Italian then pointed the finger at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which he blamed for a lack of confidence and for having changed his staff, with in particular the departure of his right arm appointed to head the team of less than 20 years old.
Mancini’s arrival in Saudi Arabia adds to that of many players in the Saudi league in recent months, including stars Neymar and Karim Benzema, in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi Pro League this winter .
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