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

Saudi Arabia has announced a new manager to replace Roberto Mancini after the Italian’s lucrative contract was terminated in midweek.

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

Reports from Saudi Arabia and Italy now suggest that Mancini’s severance package is between 20 and 25 million euros – tax free.

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

In total, Mancini was in charge of twenty games, winning eight, drawing seven and losing five.

Saudi Arabia has now reappointed Herve Renard, who previously led them between 2019 and 2023.

The Saudi Arabian FA shared a clip on social media to unveil Renard, with the Frenchman stating that his story with the team was not over.

The clip showed memorable moments from his first spell in charge, with Renard then saying: ‘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 advance to the knockout rounds.

After his departure, Renard took over management 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 country finishing third in Group C of the third round of the Asian qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup.

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

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

Mancini leaves after upsetting the locals in this year’s Asian Cup, which appears to be the thing that led to his downfall as a manager.

Saudi Arabia has chosen to reappoint Hervé Renard as Mancini’s replacement

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

Mancini received an eye-watering reward after leaving the job in Saudi Arabia this week

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

Earlier this month, Mancini argued with a group of supporters after 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 Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to the 59-year-old, the influx of new signings has had a negative impact on the national team.