The Saudi Arabian Football Association also showed signs of dissatisfaction with coach Roberto Mancini,
known as the world’s highest-paid head coach, for leaving work early during the Korean game.
According to the Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat, Saudi Football Association President Yasser al-Misehal said Coach Mancini’s performance
in the round of 16 against Korea in the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
Asian Cup held at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on the 31st (Korean time).
He pointed out that his actions were not appropriate. 파워볼사이트
Saudi Arabia
In an interview with a local broadcaster, Chairman Almisehal said,
“It is difficult to understand why Coach Mancini left (the ground),” and added,
“We will discuss with Coach Mancini why he did such a thing.”
Still, he added, “I am satisfied with (Saudi Arabia’s) performance that Coach Mancini brought out.”
Saudi Arabia, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann,
was tied 1-1 for 120 minutes until overtime and lost 2-4 in a penalty shootout.
Saudi Arabia, who allowed Cho Kyu-seong (Midtjylland) to score the tying goal just before the end of the second half,
forcing an unplanned overtime period,
lost their third and fourth kickers in succession in the penalty shoot-out,
giving their ticket to the quarterfinals to Klinsmann.
When Saudi Arabia’s second miss occurred in the penalty shootout,
Coach Mancini left the bench and went into the tunnel.
Coach Roberto Mancini
There is growing criticism that coach Mancini’s attitude is irresponsible,
as he appears to have given up on the game before the players,
rather than watching until the end when the team’s victory or defeat is decided.
When asked to explain this behavior at a press conference immediately after the game,
Coach Mancini replied, “I apologize.
I thought the game was over,” and “I had no intention of disrespecting anyone.”
He continued, “I want to say thank you to all the players.
“He has improved a lot,” he said.
Coach Mancini is known to receive the highest salary among soccer coaches around the world.