Roberto Mancini has stepped down as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national football team after just 14 months, with the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) confirming a “joint agreement” to end his contract early. Mancini, the former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager, signed a high-profile four-year deal in August 2023, shortly after leaving his position with the Italian national team. However, his time with the Saudi squad, the Green Falcons, faced ongoing challenges.
Possible Reasons for Mancini’s Departure
While specific reasons for Mancini’s departure remain undisclosed, several factors might have played a role:
- Performance Pressure: Saudi Arabia faced challenges on the pitch, struggling to make the progress expected under Mancini’s guidance. The team’s performances didn’t fully reflect the expectations that accompanied his appointment, which could have created tension between the coach and Saudi football authorities.
- Cultural Adjustment: For any international manager, adjusting to a new football culture can be a significant hurdle. The unique football ecosystem in Saudi Arabia may have presented unforeseen challenges, possibly complicating Mancini’s ability to implement his style and philosophies effectively.
- Differences in Vision: Mancini’s football philosophy and long-term vision may not have fully aligned with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) objectives. Divergences in vision, especially regarding player development and short-term goals, might have influenced the decision to move on.
The Future of Saudi Football
Mancini’s exit leaves Saudi Arabia at a crossroads. The team has made strides in recent years, including a surprise win over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, and is actively looking to build on that momentum. A new manager will likely be appointed soon, ideally one who can balance both the team’s development and its international ambitions.
Mancini’s Legacy and Next Steps
Though his tenure was short, Mancini’s influence could still resonate in the tactical improvements and heightened ambitions he introduced. As for Mancini, he now becomes a highly sought-after free agent in the footballing world. With experience spanning top-tier leagues and international success, his next role is bound to be closely watched.
During his brief stint, the 59-year-old Italian achieved only seven wins in 18 games, a win rate of just under 39%, leaving Saudi Arabia trailing in their World Cup qualifying group. In comparison, his predecessor Hervé Renard had a win percentage of 44.4% over 45 games and led Saudi Arabia to a historic 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup.
In a statement, SAFF confirmed Mancini’s departure and announced that a new coach will be named soon: “The Saudi Football Federation announces that it has reached an agreement to terminate the contract of national team coach Roberto Mancini and confirms that the name of the new coach will be announced within days.”
Mancini’s tenure faced multiple hurdles, including strained relationships with Saudi fans and frustration over the limited playing time many Saudi players saw at their clubs due to the influx of foreign talent in the Saudi Pro League. This lack of match experience among local players prompted Mancini to call on his team to step up amid mounting criticism.
Mancini’s early games with Saudi Arabia saw a rocky start, including a 2-1 friendly loss to Costa Rica in September 2023 and a series of winless matches. Though he led the Green Falcons to a second-round World Cup qualifying win over Pakistan, his team later struggled in the Asian Cup, falling to South Korea in the Round of 16. The Italian manager drew further criticism during this match by leaving the field before South Korea’s final penalty, for which he later apologized.
The team’s recent World Cup qualifying results have been similarly underwhelming, with a home loss to Japan and draws against Indonesia and Bahrain, putting them third in Group C, behind leaders Japan and level with Australia, whom they are scheduled to face in a critical match in November.
Following the Bahrain draw, SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal indicated that the federation would carefully evaluate Mancini’s future, emphasizing that the decision would be made with due consideration, not out of “anger and sadness.”
This swift managerial change underscores the pressures and high expectations surrounding Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans in international football. With the World Cup qualification journey underway, the search for Mancini’s successor will be closely watched as Saudi Arabia aims to secure its place on the global football stage.
