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Roberto Mancini, once the world’s highest-paid manager, has been dismissed from his position with the Saudi Arabian national team by mutual consent. The decision was officially confirmed on Thursday. It follows a challenging tenure marked by subpar performances and growing discontent within the team and among fans. With almost three years remaining on his four-year contract, Mancini will now receive a substantial payout; reportedly around $84 million.
From high expectations to disappointment
Mancini’s tenure as Saudi Arabia’s national coach began in August 2023, just two weeks after his resignation from Italy. The Italian great accepted a lucrative four-year deal with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) worth approximately $100 million. The position made him the highest-paid manager in global soccer, yet his time in Saudi Arabia quickly became tumultuous.
Over 18 matches, Mancini’s squad saw limited success, winning just seven games, drawing five, and losing six. Disappointingly, his team was eliminated by South Korea in the round of 16 during the Asian Cup in January 2024. By the time of his dismissal, Saudi Arabia ranked third in their World Cup Qualifying group. According to multiple sources, the SAFF had grown increasingly frustrated with Mancini’s underwhelming results. They were already ready to terminate his contract.
Following a 0-0 draw with Bahrain in a World Cup qualifier, Mancini faced visible frustration from fans. He even exchanged heated words with some in the stands. Shortly after this incident, he directed pointed criticism at his players. “Sometimes I think the players have to take the responsibility… In my life, when I was a player, I took responsibility because it’s easy to say it’s the coach’s fault. It’s too easy. Many times, it’s not like this. Because when the coach teaches the team everything, and they have improved, then players have to show their quality on the pitch. If they don’t have…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-arabia-axes-top-paid-boss-mancini-set-for-massive-pay-out/
Author : Martina Alcheva
Publish date : 2024-10-25 19:48:48
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