Saudi Arabia announce their new manager after handing Roberto Mancini an eye-watering pay-off

Saudi Arabia have revealed their new manager to replace Roberto Mancini after the Italian’s lucrative contract was terminated in midweek.

Mancini, who was appointed in August 2023, was understood to be earning £21million-a-year before leaving the role after just 14 months in charge.

Reports from Saudi and Italy have now revealed Mancini’s severance pay-out to be between €20m (£16.7m) and €25m (£20.8m) – tax-free. 

Mancini was described by Gazzetta dello Sport as being ‘cold, detached, with an air of superiority that distanced him from the people’.  

In total, Mancini was in charge for 20 matches, of which he won eight, drew seven and lost five. 

Saudi Arabia have now re-appointed Herve Renard, who previously managed them between 2019 and 2023.

The Saudi Arabian FA shared a social media clip to unveil Renard, with the Frenchman declaring that his story with the team was not yet finished.

The clip showed memorable moments from his first spell in charge, with Renard then stating ‘I’m back’.

During his previous spell in charge, Renard led Saudi Arabia to a memorable victory against eventual champions Argentina in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup.

However, Saudi Arabia failed to progress into the knockout rounds.

After his departure, Renard took charge of the French Women’s team. 

He previously won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. 

Renard will be tasked with turning around Saudi Arabia’s form, with the nation lying third in Group C of the third round of Asia’s qualification process for the 2026 World Cup.

The top two in the group qualify automatically for the World Cup, with the teams in third and fourth advancing to a fourth round of the qualification process.

Saudi Arabia are level on points with second placed Australia after one win, two draws and one defeat in their opening four matches.

Mancini leaves having upset the locals at this year’s Asian Cup, which appears to be the point that led to his downfall as manager.

Saudi Arabia have elected to re-appoint Herve Renard as their replacement for Mancini

Renard famously led Saudi Arabia to a win over eventual winners Argentina at the 2022 World Cup

Mancini received an eye-watering pay-off after leaving the Saudi Arabia job this week

During a penalty shoot-out against Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea, which Saudi Arabia would go on to lose, Mancini left before the defeat was even decided and was forced to apologise.

Earlier this month, Mancini had been seen arguing with a group of supporters following Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Bahrain. 

Mancini had also spoken out against the impact of the Saudi Pro League’s investment in overseas talent, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 59-year-old he claimed the influx of new signings has negatively impacted the national team.