New Saudi Arabia boss Roberto Mancini targets AFC Asian Cup, 2 weeks after quitting Italy team
- ‘Our target is to try to win the Asian Cup after 27 years,’ he says, after taking reported US$25 million Saudi deal
- ‘We have four months … We have two games for the World Cup [qualifiers] and after we have 20 days to prepare for the Asian Cup’ Mancini says
Roberto Mancini said he hoped to lead Saudi Arabia to AFC Asian Cup victory within months after signing a multimillion dollar deal on Monday, just a fortnight after quitting as Italy coach.
The former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss held up a green shirt that read “Mancini 2027” after inking a contract to stay with the Green Falcons beyond the next World Cup.
Mancini, who said the oil-rich monarchy had “nothing to do” with his shock Italy exit, was reportedly offered more than US$25 million to join the big-spending Saudis.
“I’m not a magician,” the Italian said, when asked what he could promise the Saudi people, before pledging to go for Asian Cup glory in January and February in Qatar.
“Our target is to try to win the Asian Cup after 27 years,” he said.
“We have four months. We have four friendly matches. We have two games for the World Cup [qualifiers] and after we have 20 days to prepare for the Asian Cup.
