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Ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini leaves role as Saudi Arabia head coach

Saudi Arabia v Bahrain FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C

Roberto Mancini has mutually agreed to leave his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian.  

The 59-year-old took the job in August 2023, two weeks after leaving as Italy manager. He won the 2020 European Championship with Italy. 

The former Manchester City manager endured a difficult period at the Green Falcons, winning just seven of his 18 matches in charge. 

Saudi Arabia were eliminated in the last-16 of the Asian Cup in January after a penalty shoot-out loss to South Korea. 

Mancini was widely criticised for walking down the tunnel before South Korea had taken their final penalty, and he later apologised for his early exit. 

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has now confirmed the Italian boss has left his post by ‘joint agreement’.

Saudi Arabia are just three weeks away from a critical World Cup qualifier against Australia. 

They lost 2-0 to Japan in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers before a goalless draw with Bahrain earlier this month. 

The recent results have dropped them to third in Group C, with Australia ahead of them on goal difference and Japan leading with 10 points. 

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