Mancini: I feel sorry for Green… and disagree with Gravina
Roberto Mancini, the former coach of the Saudi national football team, shared his regrets about his time with Al-Akhdar in an interview with the Italian newspaper “Il Giornale.” He stated that financial reasons played a significant role in his decision to take the job in September 2023.
Mancini described his relationship with the Saudi Football Federation as very positive, without major issues. However, he expressed that if given the chance, he would not have chosen to coach the Saudi national team. He mentioned that the financial proposal was substantial, though less than reported, and that money was a key factor in his decision. Mancini also cited disagreements with Italian Football Association president Gabriele Gravina as another reason for his departure from coaching the Italian national team.
Despite the challenges he faced in Saudi Arabia, Mancini felt that the team followed his instructions and laid groundwork for future success. According to the Corriere newspaper, Mancini received up to 50 million euros after his contract was terminated, although he believed this figure was not accurately portrayed in the Italian media.
How might Roberto Mancini’s financial considerations impact his future coaching decisions?
Interview wiht Roberto Mancini: Reflections on His Time with Saudi Arabia and Future Prospects
In an exclusive interview with Il Giornale, former saudi national team coach roberto Mancini opened up about his tenure with Al-Akhdar, expressing regrets and insights that have surfaced as his departure from the role. Below are the key highlights from our conversation.
Il Giornale: Roberto, you’ve recently spoken about your time with the Saudi national team. What were some of your reflections on your tenure?
Roberto Mancini: My experience with Al-Akhdar was certainly unique. I established a very positive relationship with the Saudi Football Federation, and my interactions with them were without major issues. However,if I had the chance to choose again,I would likely not have taken the position. Financial reasons heavily influenced my decision to take the job last September.
Il Giornale: You mentioned that money was a critical factor. Could you elaborate on that?
Roberto Mancini: Yes, the financial proposal was quite considerable, although it was less than what has been reported in the media. It’s true that financial security played a notable role in my decision-making at that time.
Il Giornale: You were previously with the Italian national team. Were there any particular issues that pushed you to leave that role?
Roberto Mancini: Absolutely. There were some disagreements with the president of the Italian Football Association, Gabriele Gravina, which contributed to my departure from the Azzurri. Those differences, combined with the opportunity in Saudi Arabia, led me to make that choice.
Il Giornale: Despite the challenges, do you believe you made a positive impact during your time in Saudi Arabia?
Roberto Mancini: I truly believe I laid down some crucial groundwork for the future. The team followed my instructions closely,and there were moments of success,despite the overall performance not meeting expectations in the qualifiers.
Il Giornale: There have been reports in the media about the financial implications of your departure. Can you clarify this?
Roberto Mancini: There was mention of a figure around 50 million euros after my contract termination, but I feel that this number has been inaccurately portrayed. What matters to me is that I maintained a good relationship with the Saudi Federation throughout my time there.
Il Giornale: Moving forward, there’s speculation about you coaching Roma. How do you respond to that?
roberto Mancini: I want to clarify that I am not as close to taking on the Roma coaching position as some have suggested. However,I remain open to the possibility if the right offer were to materialize.
Il Giornale: Any final thoughts on your next steps in your coaching career?
Roberto Mancini: I have great respect for constructive criticism from the press and the fans. As I look to the future,I am open to new opportunities where I can apply my experience and contribute meaningfully.
Roberto Mancini’s insights shed light on the complexities of international coaching and the weight that financial decisions can hold in such career paths. As the football world watches closely, it will be captivating to see where his journey leads him next.
Mancini conveyed that he maintained a positive relationship with the Saudi Federation and expressed appreciation for journalists who offer constructive criticism. He also addressed rumors about coaching Roma, stating he was not as close to that position as suggested. However, he remained open to coaching Roma if the right offer arose.
Mancini took charge of the Saudi team in August 2023 after resigning from his role with Italy. The Saudi federation dismissed him last October due to a decline in the team’s performance during the final Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. During his tenure, he coached Saudi Arabia in 18 matches, achieving 7 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, with 24 goals scored and 18 conceded.