Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Saudi Arabian men’s national team after a turbulent 14-month tenure. The Italian manager, who had signed a lucrative four-year contract worth approximately £21 million per year, faced mounting pressure following a disappointing record of just seven wins in 18 matches.
Mancini’s appointment last August came shortly after he stepped down as the manager of Italy, where he famously led the national team to victory in the 2021 European Championships. However, his stint with Saudi Arabia has been marred by poor performances and dissatisfaction among fans.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced a “joint agreement” to terminate Mancini’s contract, a move that had been speculated in recent days as frustrations grew over the national team’s lack of success. In their official statement, the federation expressed gratitude to Mancini and wished him well in his future endeavors.
At the time of his departure, Saudi Arabia was positioned third in Group C of the third round of Asia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team had managed one win, two draws, and one loss in their opening four matches, leaving them level on points with second-placed Australia.
Mancini’s tenure was characterized by a notable clash with fans, particularly following a recent 0-0 draw with Bahrain that extended the team’s winless streak to four matches. Reports indicate that Mancini was seen arguing with supporters, highlighting the growing discontent surrounding the team’s performance.
A significant point of contention during Mancini’s time in charge was his criticism of the influx of foreign talent in the Saudi Pro League, which he argued had detrimental effects on the national team. He stated, “Three years ago, all the Saudi players played every game. Today, 50 to 60 percent don’t play in the games. This is the first problem, the only problem that we have.”
Mancini also presided over a lackluster Asian Cup campaign, where the team was eliminated in the last-16 by South Korea on penalties. His controversial behavior during that match—where he appeared to walk down the tunnel before the final penalty—further fueled scrutiny of his leadership.
As Saudi Arabia looks to the future, the federation confirmed that an announcement regarding the next coach would be made in the coming days, signaling a new chapter for the national team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
