Roberto Mancini denies interference during his time as Saudi Arabia’s head coach
Roberto Mancini denies interference during his time as Saudi Arabia’s head coach
Former Italy and Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on Thursday dismissed claims that he had experienced interference during his spell with the Saudi Arabian national football team.
The 60-year-old Italian left his position on October 24, just 14 months after taking over from Herve Renard, who is now leading the team at the Arabian Gulf Cup held in Kuwait.
“I would like to say this for the last time, during my career there was absolutely no interference in the selection of players and I am happy with my experience and work in Saudi Arabia,” he posted on the X social media platform.
“Some media outlets should focus on their teams and stop spreading rumors about me and the Saudi national team,” he added.
Under Mancini, Saudi Arabia was knocked out of the Asian Cup in the last 16 earlier this year after losing in a penalty shootout to South Korea.
The venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia is second in the Arabian Gulf Cup Group B with three points, three adrift of leader Bahrain, who already secured a place in the semifinals with one match remaining.
It will take on third-placed Iraq in the final round robin match for a place in the final four.
