Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties by the Saudi Arabia national team just 14 months after signing a lucrative four-year contract
Roberto Mancini is set for an eye-watering pay-out after leaving his role as head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team after just 14 months.
The former Manchester City chief, 59, was only appointed by Saudi Arabia last summer in a move that was regarded as a major coup at the time. He oversaw just seven wins in 18 games, though, and has now been sacked.
Mancini’s departure was confirmed in a statement on Thursday evening, which read: “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 Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) also revealed that Mancini’s successor was set to be announced in the coming days ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Australia and Indonesia in November.
It was reported back in 2023 that Mancini had penned a four-year contract with the SAFF running until 2027. The role was said to be the highest-paid role in football, with The Guardian reporting he’d pocket an annual salary of €25million (£21.5m) after tax.
And with just under three years remaining on his deal at the time of his departure, that means Mancini is in line to bank a small fortune as a result of his ill-fated stint in the Middle East, which could amount to a sum in the region of £65m based on his yearly earnings.
Reports in Italy claim that Mancini’s relationship with players became strained towards the end of his tenure. Saudi Arabia are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group.
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Mancini, who won the Premier League title during his time at Manchester City, was reportedly seen arguing with small number of supporters following Saudi Arabia’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Bahrain earlier this month.
Mancini stepped down from his role as head coach of the Italy national team just a fortnight before agreeing to take on the Saudi Arabia job. He won Euro 2020 during his reign as Italy boss, beating England in the final at Wembley.
He has also held a number of other high-profile roles during his career and spent time with the likes of Inter Milan, Lazio and Galatasaray.
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