Ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini leaves role as Saudi Arabia head coach

Roberto Mancini has mutually agreed to leave his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian.

The 59-year-old came into the job in August 2023, two weeks after leaving as Italy manager. His stint at the Azzurri saw him lifting the European Championship in 2021.

The former Manchester City boss endured a difficult period at the Green Falcons, winning just seven of his 18 matches in charge.

Saudi Arabia suffered elimination in the last-16 of the Asian Cup in January after a penalty shootout loss to South Korea.

Mancini came under a lot of criticism for walking down the tunnel before South Korea had taken their final penalty, and he later apologised for his early exit.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has now confirmed the Italian boss has left his post by ‘joint agreement’.

The SAFF posted the following statement on X:“The board of directors of the Saudi Football Federation and the coach of the national team, Roberto Mancini, reached a joint agreement today, which includes the end of the contractual relationship”.

The Italian’s departure has come at a time when Saudi Arabia are just three weeks away from a critical World Cup qualifier against Australia.

The Green Falcons suffered a 2-0 loss to Japan in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers before a goalless draw with Bahrain earlier this month.

The recent results have seen them drop to third in Group C, with Australia ahead of them on goal difference and Japan leading with 10 points.

Mancini is regarded as a top manager in world football. The 59-year-old has the distinction of winning three Italian league titles with Inter Milan. He also won the Premier League with Manchester in 2013.