Saudi Arabia: Roberto Mancini explains why it didn’t work out

The technician ended his adventure after only 18 games

On August 17, 2023, Roberto Mancini became the new coach of Saudi Arabia'Saudi Arabia. One goal: to take the Arab national team to play in the 2026 World Cup. "We know we need time, but I can tell the fans that we will work hard because we want to try to win something important" his words on the day of his presentation as the new coach of Saudi Arabia.

Just over a year later, Roberto Mancini's Arab adventure is already over. The Arab federation has reached an agreement with the former national team coach to end, prematurely, his contract. There is talk of a significant severance package.

Through the columns of Il Messaggero, the now former Saudi Arabia coach explained why the failure: "Here patience is needed, especially now that local players are no longer starters at clubs. Managers are also very good but there is still not much experience for high-level football".

"It would have been really hard to qualify, I didn’t even have 50 percent of the starters in the league", his summation. As CT of Saudi Arabia, Roberto Mancini has played 18 matches with only seven wins, compared to six defeats (five draws). To be understood now what Roberto Mancini himself will do in the near future.