Roberto Mancini Steps Down as Saudi Arabia Manager by mutual agreement

Roberto Mancini has stepped down from his position as the manager of Saudi Arabia, a decision made by mutual agreement.

The Saudi Football Federation announced this development, stating that the Board of Directors and Mancini reached a consensus to part ways. This resolution highlights the difficulties faced during Mancini’s tenure, which was filled with both hopes and challenges.

Mancini leaves after a difficult period in charge, overseeing just 20 matches with a record of only eight victories. His final match was particularly controversial, as he confronted a fan angrily, telling them to ‘f*** off,’ following Saudi Arabia’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Bahrain. This result has put their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy, prompting uncertainty about the team’s future direction and the strategies implemented during his time.

His arrival as manager was highly celebrated, given his impressive track record at club and international levels. Mancini is highly respected in the football world, having garnered multiple Serie A titles with Inter Milan and being the first to claim silverware for Manchester City in over three decades, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup in the early 2010s and laying the groundwork for the club’s subsequent achievements.

His most significant accomplishment came in 2021 when he led Italy to victory at EURO 2020, triumphing against England in a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley. This success reinforced Mancini’s status as a leading manager in football, known for delivering exceptional outcomes on the international scene. As he exits Saudi Arabia, there will undoubtedly be speculation regarding his future endeavors and the new opportunities that may arise in his distinguished career.