Roberto Mancini named new coach of Saudi Arabia

Roberto Mancini was on Sunday, August 27, appointed as the new coach of the Saudi Arabia national team, just two weeks after the European Championship-winning manager resigned from his job in Italy.

Mancini resigned on 13 August, ending a five-year spell in charge of Italy’s national team which won the European Championship after beating England on penalties, but missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Italy’s Ansa news agency reported that Roberto Mancini who will be arriving Riyadh on Monday, August 28, to attend a presentation event, will be signing a contract worth €25m (£21.5m) after tax per year. It would run till 2027.

Mancini is the latest big name to become part of Saudi’s football revolution. Clubs from the oil-rich kingdom splashed the cash in the offseason on a number of star football players amid continued concerns from human rights organizations which argue that Saudi Arabia uses sports for public-relations purposes.

Commenting on his new appointment, the Italian tactician said;

“I am immensely honoured to be offered the position as Saudi Arabia national team manager,” Mancini said. “I believe this is a great opportunity for me, to experience football in a new country, especially with the growing popularity of football in Asia.

“I firmly believe that the passionate footballing culture of Saudi Arabia and the intrinsic quality of Saudi players are crucial ingredients for success. The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League indicates the potential for growth in the national football scene.”

Roberto Mancini will make his debut in the dugout for Saudi Arabia during a match against Costa Rica on September 8.