After his farewell to Saudi Arabia, Roberto Mancini is ready to return to the Gulf. This time, Qatar awaits him, where the country’s most decorated club, Al Sadd, has decided to bet on him to return to its former glory.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Italy coach has reportedly accepted the proposal from Emir Al Thani, signing a contract until May 2026. He is expected to arrive in Doha as early as midweek.
🏆 A legendary club, but seeking a revival
Al Sadd boasts 18 national titles and two Asian Champions League trophies in its record, but the last continental cup dates back to 2011. After years of domestic dominance, the team has also lost its shine in Asian competition, where it currently sits outside the top 8 in the West Group after 4 Champions League matchdays.
This is why the management chose Mancini: they need an international coach, with experience and charisma, to reignite their winning ambition.
✈️ Mancini returns to the Gulf: contract and debut
Mancini is expected to land in Doha midweek for the official signing. The contract, expiring in May 2026, includes a significant financial and technical package.
His debut could come on November 24 against Al-Wahda (United Arab Emirates) in the AFC Champions League, an immediate test to measure his new adventure.
🔥 New opportunity
In recent weeks, Mancini reportedly took his time, hoping for a call from Italy—perhaps from Serie A or an intriguing European project. But no negotiations reached a successful conclusion.
Thus, the Qatari option of Al Sadd, always on Emir Al Thani’s table, gradually became the most concrete choice, until the agreement, reached today.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
📸 STRINGER – AFP or licensors
