In a surprising turn of events, Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Saudi Arabian men’s national team. Mancini’s appointment last August was met with high expectations, as the Saudi Football Federation signed him on a lucrative £21 million-a-year contract, with a vision of strengthening the team’s global standing. However, just 14 months into his four-year contract, the federation announced the termination of their agreement with Mancini, sparking debates across the football community.
The Saudi Football Federation (SFF) issued a statement confirming the separation, expressing gratitude for Mancini’s efforts and wishing him well in future pursuits. “The Board of Directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, Italian Roberto Mancini, reached a joint agreement today that includes termination of the contractual relationship,” read the statement. Although Roberto Mancini’s successor is yet to be confirmed, the federation assured fans that an announcement would be made soon.
Mixed Results and Disappointment in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Under Roberto Mancini’s management, Saudi Arabia’s journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been a challenging one. The team currently sits in third place in Group C of the Asia qualifiers, level on points with second-placed Australia. Although the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, third and fourth place teams are required to undergo an additional round of qualification. Saudi Arabia’s position is precarious, as they have managed only one win, two draws, and a loss in their four matches thus far.
The lackluster performance has disappointed Saudi fans, many of whom had high hopes when Roberto Mancini took over. The manager’s tenure included only seven victories in 18 games, with a particularly disappointing run in the recent Asian Cup campaign. Saudi Arabia’s elimination in the last-16 by South Korea on penalties further fueled criticism, especially after Mancini left the field before the decisive penalty was taken, later issuing an apology for his premature exit.
Clashes with Fans and Criticism of Foreign Player Influence
Tensions between Mancini and Saudi football fans became evident during his tenure, particularly following a 0-0 draw with Bahrain earlier this month. Frustrated fans openly expressed their discontent, leading to a heated exchange between Mancini and a section of the crowd. Such confrontations highlighted the growing pressure on the Italian manager to deliver results and fulfill expectations from both fans and officials.
Roberto Mancini also publicly criticized the influx of foreign players in the Saudi Pro League, claiming it negatively impacted the performance of Saudi players in the national team. He highlighted how Saudi players previously had more opportunities, stating, “Three years ago, all the Saudi players played every game. Today, 50 to 60 percent don’t play.” His comments echoed concerns that the focus on star international signings, including high-profile figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, has reduced opportunities for local players, hindering the national team’s growth and performance.
A Rocky End to Roberto Mancini’s Saudi Venture
Roberto Mancini’s departure marks an abrupt end to what was initially seen as a promising partnership aimed at elevating Saudi Arabia’s football profile. The former Manchester City and Italy boss, with a strong record in European football, was expected to bring stability and improvement. However, the challenges of managing a team with limited local talent engagement proved too substantial.
With Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the SFF is under pressure to find a coach who can rally the team and address the issues highlighted by Mancini. His exit is a stark reminder of the complex dynamics between local talent development and the growing influence of international stars within the Saudi Pro League. As the federation prepares to name his successor, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Saudi Arabia can rise to the challenge and secure a place in the upcoming World Cup.
