ROME: Roberto Mancini on Thursday dismissed claims that he had encountered interference during his spell at the helm of the Saudi Arabia national football team.

Mancini left his position on Oct 24, some 14 months after taking over from Herve Renard, who is now leading the team at the Arabian Gulf Cup held in Kuwait.

Under Mancini, the Saudis were knocked out of the Asian Cup in the last 16 earlier this year after losing in a penalty shootout to South Korea.

“I would like to say this for the last time, during my career there was absolutely no interference in the selection of players and I am happy with my experience and work in Saudi Arabia,” he posted on the X social media platform. “Some media outlets should focus on their teams and stop spreading rumors about me and the Saudi national team,” the 64-year-old added.

Saudi Arabia, venue for the 2034 World Cup, are second in the Arabian Gulf Cup’ with three points, three adrift of leaders Bahrain.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024