- Australia has struggled in the early stages of qualifying
- Saudis have also struggled to secure a top two spot in their group
- The Socceroos opponents have made big decisions ahead of the decisive match
Australia’s World Cup opponent Saudi Arabia has dumped the world’s highest-paid football manager Roberto Mancini, just three weeks before the crucial qualifying match against the Socceroos in Melbourne.
Prominent former Italian boss Mancini, who was just fourteen months into a four-year contract reportedly worth $150 million, has paid the price for the Saudis’ string of unconvincing performances that have left them battling for a qualifying spot in the top two of the group. C – like Australia – which will seal 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 role as Saudi Arabia coach after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
The disruption is hardly ideal for the Saudis, who are currently tied with Australia and Bahrain on five points in Group C, five points behind runaway leaders Japan, as they prepare for the clash at AAMI Park on November 14.
Saudi Arabia has parted ways with former Italy boss Roberto Mancini
The move to change coaches comes just three weeks before the Saudis take on the Socceroos in Melbourne
Mancini’s reign, which began in August last year when he replaced Herve Renard, has been turbulent, with his paymasters none too happy when the Saudis were knocked out of the last 16 of the Asian Cup after losing in a penalty shootout earlier this year. to South Korea.
Mancini did not endear himself to the fans when he disappeared down the tunnel before the shootout had ended, and he was eventually forced to apologise.
On the eve of the opening match of the Asian Cup against the Saudis, he had also claimed that three players were dropped because they wanted to choose which matches they wanted to play. These were allegations that players vehemently denied.
He then continuously complained that homegrown attackers could not get enough playing time in the Saudi Pro League because so many big names were imported from Europe.
Matters have only worsened during their World Cup campaign, having lost 2-0 at home to Japan two weeks ago before being held to a scoreless draw by Bahrain five days later, a match that ended when the former Manchester City boss argued with a group of players. disgruntled supporters before later criticizing his players.
Mancini leaves having won just seven of his 18 games in charge, losing six and drawing five.
Australia are yet to play the Saudis in the group stage, with their return match in Riyadh a potentially crucial match in the final round of matches in June 2025.
