European champion coach Roberto Mancini hired shortly after his retirement from the “Squadra Azzurra” as national coach in Saudi Arabia. He does not see this step as a sporting descent.
Roberto Mancini is also striving for the greatest possible success as the new national coach of Saudi Arabia.
He is firmly convinced that “the passionate football culture” in Saudi Arabia and the “quality of the Saudi players” are key success factors, said the 58-year-old Italian, referring to the immense transfer offensive by clubs from the kingdom this summer: “The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League indicates the growth potential of the national football scene.”
Mancini, who surprisingly led his home country to the European Championship title in 2021 and submitted his resignation from the “Squadra Azzurra” in mid-August, has been given a four-year contract with the Saudi Arabian football association SAFF. He is to be presented this Monday (4:00 p.m. CEST).
Premiere against South Korea and Jürgen Klinsmann
Mancini will make his debut on September 8th in a friendly against Costa Rica, four days later he will face the South Koreans coached by Jürgen Klinsmann. “I made history in Europe. Now it’s time to make history with Saudi Arabia”Mancini said in English in a video published by SAFF on Platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday evening.
It is a “great honor” for him to take charge of Saudi Arabia’s national team, the former striker explained: “I think this is a great opportunity for me to experience football in a new country, especially with football’s growing popularity in Asia.”
Money may have also played a role in the change. According to media reports, the former club coach should, among other things, from Manchester City earn around 25 million euros a year in Saudi Arabia.