Roberto Mancini has been dismissed as head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team after just one year in charge.
The 59-year-old Italian manager, who signed a four-year contract worth £77 million in August 2023, was brought in to lead the team following the 2022 World Cup, where Saudi Arabia made headlines by defeating Argentina in their opening match. However, despite his status as the highest-paid manager in world football, Mancini faced a challenging period with the squad.
During his 14-month tenure, Mancini managed 18 games, achieving only seven victories alongside five draws and six losses. According to Italian sources, his relationship with players reportedly deteriorated, and Saudi Arabia’s current third-place standing in their World Cup qualification group has left fans frustrated.
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After a recent 0-0 draw with Bahrain, Mancini was seen in a tense exchange with a group of supporters, further highlighting the tension surrounding his leadership. The Saudi Arabian FA is now actively searching for a new head coach to lead the team’s FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.