Speaking to the public television channel Rai, Roberto Mancini spoke about his difficult time in Saudi Arabia.
Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini admitted on Sunday that he made a mistake by leaving the Nazionale in August 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia, a post from which he was fired in October.
“If I could go back, I would not take the decision to leave the Nazionale, because coaching this selection is the most beautiful thing”Mancini told public broadcaster Rai. “Maybe we didn't understand each other with the president of the Italian Federation (Gabriele Gravina), maybe we were just in a difficult period, maybe it could have gone differently, but I have nothing against him”he continued.
“My career speaks for me”
Crowned European champion in 2021 at the helm of Italy, Mancini, 60, resigned to everyone's surprise in August 2023 from his position as coach, citing disagreements with his leaders. Although he assured that he was not in contact with any club or federation, he was named Saudi Arabia coach a few days later.
His contract, which initially expired in 2027, was terminated last October due to his team's poor performance: under the leadership of the former Inter Milan and Manchester City coach, the Green Falcons only won seven times. , for five draws and six defeats. Mancini added that he did not join Saudi Arabia for the money, with his contract guaranteeing him an annual salary of $25 million.
“My career speaks for me”he defended himself. While his name is mentioned to take control of AS Roma, in crisis, at the end of the current season, the former Italian international assured that he was not “in contact with anyone”: “But something will happen, it’s only a matter of time”he concluded.
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