Roberto Mancini has been fired as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national football team after a difficult 14 months marked by poor performances and increasing tension with fans.
The Italian manager, who took on the role last August with a lucrative four-year contract worth around £21 million annually, leaves with only seven wins out of 18 matches.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed that Mancini’s exit was a "joint agreement" to end his contract, following mounting speculation due to disappointing results.
Mancini had been brought in with high expectations after leading Italy to a European Championship win in 2021. However, pressure grew following a recent goalless draw against Bahrain, where Mancini was seen in a heated exchange with frustrated supporters.
During his time as coach, Mancini also voiced concerns about the growing number of foreign players in the Saudi Pro League, suggesting it limited opportunities for local players. “Three years ago, all the Saudi players played every game. Today, 50 to 60 percent don’t play in the games. This is our primary problem,” he commented.
The Saudi Football Federation is now expected to move quickly in finding a new coach who can lead the national team with fresh energy and strengthen their World Cup aspirations.
