- Australia has struggled in the early stages of qualifying.
- The Saudis have also had difficulty getting one of the top two spots in their group.
- The Socceroos’ rivals have made a big call ahead of the decider
Australia’s World Cup rival Saudi Arabia has sacked the world’s highest-paid soccer coach, Roberto Mancini, just three weeks before the crucial qualifying clash against the Socceroos in Melbourne.
Distinguished former Italy coach Mancini, just 14 months into a four-year contract worth A$150 million, has paid the price for a series of unconvincing performances by the Saudis that have left them fighting for a qualifying spot. among the first two of the group. C, like Australia, that will secure their place in the final.
A statement from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) said on Thursday that the 59-year-old had left his position as Saudi Arabia coach after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
The interruption is not ideal for the Saudis, who are currently tied on five points with Australia and Bahrain in Group C, five points behind leaders Japan, as they prepare for the clash at AAMI Park on November 14.
Saudi Arabia has parted ways with distinguished former Italy boss Roberto Mancini
The coaching change comes just three weeks before the Saudis clash with the Socceroos in Melbourne.
Mancini’s reign, which began in August last year when he replaced Hervé Renard, has been turbulent, and his paymasters were none too pleased when the Saudis were knocked out of the Asian Cup in the round of 16 earlier this year after lose in the penalty shootout. to South Korea.
Mancini did not endear himself to the fans when he disappeared down the tunnel even before the penalty shootout ended, and he ended up having to apologize.
On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s opening Asian Cup match, he also claimed that three players had been eliminated because they wanted to choose which matches to play. These were allegations that the players strongly denied.
He then constantly complained that local forwards couldn’t get enough playing time in the Saudi Pro League because there were so many big names imported from Europe.
Things have only gotten worse during their World Cup campaign, having lost 2-0 at home to Japan two weeks ago before drawing goalless against Bahrain five days later, a match that ended with former coach of Manchester City arguing with a group of disgruntled fans before later criticizing his players.
Mancini leaves after winning just seven of his 18 games in charge, losing six and drawing five.
Australia are yet to face the Saudis during the group stage, and their return clash in Riyadh will potentially be crucial in the final round of matches in June 2025.
