Italy’s Roberto Manchini (59), the head coach of the Saudi soccer team, issued an official statement on Wednesday, 31 January via the “X” platform following the elimination of Green from the price of the 2024 Asian Cup final Qatar on Tuesday against South Korea on penalties.
In front of 43 thousand fans in the stands of the stadium (Educational City) the Saudi team did not maintain its lead with the goal of Abdullah Radev, to concede a goal in the 99th minute, and the game goes to two additional halves and then penalties that defined South Korea’s victory as a result (4-2).
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I’m really thankful to our brave players who showed resilience and character in a very tough game, they gave everything. Huge thanks to our fans who made an amazing atmosphere yesterday. We worked hard to go very far in this tournment but fell short. pic.twitter.com/5esl2IVp2s
— Roberto Mancini (@robymancio) January 31, 2024
South Korea hit a date with their Australian counterparts on February 2 in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Manchini leaves the field during the shootout!
Coach Manchini drew the ire of Saudi football fans when he was captured by press cameras leaving the stadium desperately, seconds before he Chan Huang shot the last shootout that gave South Korea victory.
A social media audience called for Manchini’s dismissal, arguing that he did not respect the Saudi team.
Coach Manchini justified his action, saying in the post-match press conference: “I did not intentionally leave before the last kick was taken, but I expected that the game was over so I went out.. I apologize and thank the players for what they gave in the match. ”
In return, the president of the Saudi Football Federation, Yasser Al-Mashal, replied: “Mancini’s action is unacceptable, and we will discuss with him that.”
Manchini apologizes and pledges achievements
After things calmed down a little, the coach wrote a statement via the X platform, during which he explained: “I am truly grateful to our brave players who have shown character and resilience in this difficult match, they have put their maximum energy, and also thanks to the fans who have created a great atmosphere.”
“I once again regret the early exit from the stadium to the locker rooms before the end of the shootout, with your support, we will continue to build for the future of Saudi football.”
Upcoming games for Saudi Arabia
The veteran coach has turned the Asian Cup page and is preparing his papers in preparation for the third and fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Tajikistan on 21 and 26 March.
