Roberto Mancini’s stint as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national football team appears to be drawing to a close. Calciomercato report that the team’s poor performance, including a recent loss to Japan and a draw against Bahrain, has made his position increasingly untenable. These setbacks have also put Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the upcoming World Cup in serious jeopardy.
Mancini’s exorbitant salary of 25 million euros per year has been a source of frustration for Saudi fans, especially given the team’s underwhelming performances. State television has announced that negotiations for a contract termination are currently in progress. The exit clause in Mancini’s contract is reportedly in the range of his annual salary, between 25 and 30 million euros, and both parties are working towards an agreement.
The Italian coach’s relationship with fans and the football federation has been strained from the start. Recent controversial incidents have only exacerbated the situation. Mancini responded heatedly to a Japanese journalist, asking, “Do you want to see my bank account?” He also displayed unsportsmanlike behavior towards a fan following the draw with Bahrain.
As for potential successors, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is the dream candidate. More realistically, the Saudi federation has reportedly contacted Ramon Diaz, the Argentine ex-Inter Milan striker currently coaching Corinthians. Another name in the mix is Hervé Renard, the French coach who previously led Saudi Arabia to the 2022 World Cup.
