Roberto Mancini, Italy head coach Alberigo Ivani, talks with Italy assistant coach Alberigo Ivani during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Italy and Austria at Wembley Stadium at Wembley Stadium on June 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Poole/Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini has admitted he regrets his decision to leave his job in Italy for Saudi Arabia and has spoken of his hopes for the future. ‘I will never make the same choice again.’
The coach won the Euro 2020 title – played in the summer of 2021 due to a pandemic delay – and was on course to qualify for Euro 2024 when he suddenly announced his resignation in August 2023.
A few days later, he signed a lucrative contract to become the manager of Saudi Arabia’s new national team.
Mancini regrets leaving Italy job in 2023
“I won’t make that decision again,” Mancini admitted Italian news program TG1.
“For technical reasons, for football reasons, because being the coach of Nacional is the best job there is. No, I won’t make the same choice again.”
Mancini’s shock departure has sparked tensions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and president Gabriele Gravina.
“Maybe we didn’t understand each other. If we had talked more, maybe things could have gone differently, but I have nothing against the president.”
What does Mancini say about those who suggest he is chasing money in Saudi Arabia rather than representing his own country?
“My story speaks for me, people who don’t know about me can go back and look, then they can talk.”
His time in Saudi Arabia was short-lived, Termination of contract by mutual consent in October 2024 After just 18 games.
He observed seven wins, five draws and six losses.
There were some reports that Mancini would Return to Serie A for Roma or MilanBut he denied this story.
“I haven’t been contacted by anyone, but something will come, it’s just a matter of time.”
