- Mancini was named Saudi Arabia boss last year on a lucrative four-year deal
- The former Man City boss oversaw just seven wins from 18 matches in charge
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Roberto Mancini has left his role as manager of the Saudi Arabian men’s national team following an ill-fated 14-month spell in charge.
Mancini had been appointed as head coach on a four-year contract last August, with the deal worth a reported £21million-a-year.
His appointment came just weeks after he had resigned as Italy manager, where he had previously led the national team to European Championships glory in 2021.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation stated that a ‘joint agreement’ had been reached to end Mancini’s contract.
The news followed speculation in recent days that the organisation were set to sack the Italian.
Roberto Mancini has left his role as Saudi Arabia after a ill-fated 14 months in charge
The Italian had overseen just seven wins in 18 matches since taking charge in August last year
Fans had expressed frustration at the poor run of results achieved by the national team
‘The Board of Directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, Italian Roberto Mancini, reached a joint agreement today that includes termination of the contractual relationship,’ a statement read.
‘The council extends its thanks to Mr. Roberto Mancini, wishing him good luck in his career.
‘The Board of Directors confirms that the name of the next coach of the national team will be announced in the next few days after the completion of the contracting procedures.’
Mancini leaves Saudi Arabia with the nation lying third in Group C of the third round of Asia’s qualification process for the 2026 World Cup.
The top two in the group qualify automatically for the World Cup, with the teams in third and fourth advancing to a fourth round of the qualification process.
Saudi Arabia are level on points with second placed Australia after one win, two draws and one defeat in their opening four matches.
Earlier this month, Mancini had been seen arguing with a group of supporters following Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Bahrain.
The result extended a run of one win in five matches.
Mancini had also spoken out against the impact of the Saudi Pro League’s investment in overseas talent, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 59-year-old he claimed the influx of new signings has negatively impacted the national team.
Saudi Arabia currently lie third in their qualification group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mancini had claimed foreign imports to the Saudi Pro League had impacted the national team
The Italian head coach had overseen a poor Asian Cup campaign which ended in the last-16
‘I said this many times, this is the only problem that we have, three years ago all the Saudi players played every game,’ he said.
‘Today, 50 to 60 per cent don’t play in the games. This is the first problem, the only problem that we have.’
Mancini only won seven of his 18 matches in charge of the team and oversaw a poor Asian Cup campaign.
Saudi Arabia were knocked out in the last-16 by South Korea on penalties, with the former Man City boss issuing an apology after appearing to walk down the tunnel before the final penalty was taken.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk