Mancini axed as Saudi Arabia coach after poor run

Roberto Mancini was on Thursday axed as coach of the Saudi Arabia national team after 14 months in the job following a run of poor results, officials said.

It's official! 🇸🇦 It's all over between Roberto Mancini and Saudi Arabia! The Saudi Federation end the Italian's contract with immediate affect! pic.twitter.com/BLTUqVPX2o

— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 24, 2024

"The Saudi Football Federation announces that it has reached an agreement to terminate the contract of national team coach Roberto Mancini and confirms that the name of the new coach will be announced within days," the statement said.

— مجلس إدارة الاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم ومدرب المنتخب الوطني "روبرتو مانشيني"، يتوصلون اليوم لاتفاق مشترك يتضمن انتهاء العلاقة التعاقدية 📝⬇ pic.twitter.com/tVfVCGpvVi

— المنتخب السعودي (@SaudiNT) October 24, 2024

Mancini, who led his native Italy to Euro 2020 victory during a trophy-laden career, managed seven wins, six defeats and five draws with the Green Falcons.

The knives were out for the former Manchester City and Inter Milan boss after a home defeat to Japan and a draw with Gulf rivals Bahrain in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

"The SFF (Saudi Football Federation) has been negotiating with Mancini to terminate his contract since the defeat against Japan," a source at the body, who did not want to be named, told AFP.

"The situation is not easy because Mancini believes that he did not get a full chance, in addition to the fact that the contract is very massive.

"Poor results and unconvincing performance in the recent period forced SFF to make a change."