Mancini: ‘I would not leave Italy for Saudi Arabia again’ | OneFootball

Roberto Mancini confessed he regrets the decision to leave the Italy job for Saudi Arabia and talks about his hopes for the future. ‘I would not make the same choice again.’

The coach had won the EURO 2020 title – played in the summer of 2021 due to delays caused by the pandemic – and was well on the way to securing qualification for EURO 2024 when he suddenly announced his resignation in August 2023.

A few days later, he signed a lucrative contract to become the new national team manager of Saudi Arabia.

Mancini regrets quitting Italy job in 2023

Saudi Arabia’s Italian coach Roberto Mancini reacts during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group F football match between Saudi Arabia and Oman at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on January 16, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP) (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)

“I would not make that decision again,” confessed Mancini to Italian news programme TG1.

“For technical reasons, for football reasons, because being coach of the Nazionale is the best job there is. No, I would not make the same choice again.”

Mancini’s shocking departure created tension with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and President Gabriele Gravina.

“Perhaps we didn’t understand each other. If we had talked more, then it might’ve gone in a different way, but I have nothing against the President.”

What does Mancini make of those who suggested he was chasing the money in Saudi Arabia rather than representing his own country?

“My story speaks for me, those who don’t know about me can just go back and look, then they can talk.”

His time in Saudi Arabia was short-lived, terminating the contract by mutual consent in October 2024 after just 18 games.

He oversaw seven victories, five draws and six defeats.

There were some reports that Mancini would return to Serie A for Roma or Milan, but he denied these stories.

“I have not been contacted by anyone, but something will come along, it’s just a matter of time.”