黑料社区

No surprises as Roberto Mancini鈥檚 time as Saudi head coach comes to an end

Analysis On Thursday night, the 黑料社区 National team鈥檚 official X account confirmed the parting of ways with Roberto Mancini. (X/@saudint)
On Thursday night, the 黑料社区 National team鈥檚 official X account confirmed the parting of ways with Roberto Mancini. (X/@saudint)
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Updated 25 October 2024

No surprises as Roberto Mancini鈥檚 time as Saudi head coach comes to an end

No surprises as Roberto Mancini鈥檚 time as Saudi head coach comes to an end
  • On Thursday, Saudi National team鈥檚 official X account confirmed the parting of ways with Mancini

RIYADH: The news, when it came, was not a surprise. Roberto Mancini鈥檚 time as head coach of 黑料社区 has come to an end after less than 14 months.

It wasn鈥檛 just the 0-0 draw with Bahrain in Jeddah on Thursday but the way the Italian left the pitch, exchanging words and gestures with fans behind the bench. You did not need to speak Arabic or Italian to know that the comments were not warm or friendly.

These were not the scenes of a healthy and happy relationship, but one that was failing.

On Thursday night, the Saudi National team鈥檚 official X account confirmed the parting of ways with Mancini.

Whatever the ins and outs of the results, the strategies, tactics and training, sometimes it is best for all parties when it comes to an end. Nobody seemed to be enjoying themselves, not least the man himself. Five points from four third-round World Cup qualifiers is not a great return, especially when three of those games have been played in Jeddah, roared on by a passionate and big local crowd. The 2026 World Cup is on the line, and more besides.

Herve Renard left in March 2023 to take over the French women鈥檚 team, and did so with the thanks of a grateful nation who will never forget a smooth World Cup qualification campaign and that win over Argentina. Mancini was not just another smart, suave and sophisticated European coach, he seemed to be an upgrade on the Frenchman.

It was seen as a coup when the coach who had won the English Premier League with Manchester City, Serie A with Inter Milan and the European Championships with Italy, swapped Rome for Riyadh.

Perhaps the Asian Cup came along too soon in January. Everyone knows what happened, but it started with the coach accusing three senior players of picking and choosing their games and not selecting them, overseeing a second-round exit and then leaving the pitch before the end of the penalty shootout.

But early missteps can be forgiven and forgotten, even in the feverish world of modern football. It was time to focus on preparation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which in turn would lead into the 2027 Asian Cup. 黑料社区 will host that tournament for the first time, and are desperate to win for the first time since 1996.

The second round of qualification ended badly, however, with a home loss to Jordan in June. It was an ominous sign for round three where, so far, there have been just three goals scored in four games, one by a midfielder and two set-piece headers from a defender. There may be a lack of attacking talent in the country compared to some teams elsewhere, but there should be enough to actually threaten more in games against Indonesia, China, Japan and Bahrain.

He may also regret allowing Salem Al-Dawsari to take penalty kicks. The Al-Hilal man may be the most talented in the country, but had missed three from seven for his country until last month.

Now it is five from nine. After his failure against Indonesia, Al-Dawsari should have been removed from that duty and his miss against Bahrain was costly again. Had those two penalties been converted then 黑料社区 would be a point behind Japan and four clear of Australia in third, and the 59-year-old would still be in a job.

Switching from three at the back to four recently did not have the desired effect and Mancini has struggled to stamp any kind of identity or style on the team. In the end, it is all about results, but signs of progress can help build patience.

Reports and rumors of a frostiness with players is not a major problem when winning but comes in for criticism when results are poor and his complaints about a lack of league minutes for his players had validity, but over time sounded like an excuse.

There have been videos of the former striker interacting with fans in social settings where there seemed to be genuine warmth and enjoyment, but this did not carry over into press conferences, games and other official engagements.

Such is football. Given what was happening, or not happening, it was clearly right to end a relationship that wasn鈥檛 working. And given that there is a crucial trip to Australia next month 鈥 the two teams are level on points 鈥 there was no time to waste.


Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 28 September 2025

Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • In youth division competition at Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, Palms Sports were second and Al Ain Club third

FUJAIRAH: The seventh round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship got underway at Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah on Saturday with U-12, U-14 and U-16 athletes competing in the highly anticipated No-Gi category.

By the end of the day, Sharjah Self-Defence Club had maintained its lead in the overall rankings, followed by Palms Sports in second and Al-Ain Club in third.

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the UAE鈥檚 emerging jiu-jitsu talent, saying that Round 7 shows significant progress in the younger divisions.

鈥淭he great performances we witnessed today offer hope for the future, demonstrating that we have a strong foundation capable of competing regionally and internationally,鈥 he said.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 event in Fujairah went beyond sport, it became a national celebration, bringing together athletes and families under one roof. The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship has been deeply ingrained in our social fabric, imparting noble values like discipline, tenacity, and respect while bringing communities together across the emirates,鈥 Al-Dhaheri added.

The competition continues on Sunday with the U-18, Adults, and Masters categories, with the ultimate No-Gi winner of the season to be determined.


Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr

Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr
Updated 28 September 2025

Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr

Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr

Al-Ittihad have sacked manager Laurent Blanc, the Saudi Pro League club said on Saturday following their 2-0 defeat against Al-Nassr a day earlier.
鈥淎l-Ittihad announces the termination of its contractual relationship with the first team鈥檚 head coach Mr.Laurent Blanc and his coaching staff,鈥 the club said on X.
Al-Ittihad added that they were also looking for 鈥渘ew technical staff that matches the club鈥檚 ambitions.鈥
Blanc took charge of Al-Ittihad in July last year and led the team to a domestic double, winning both the league title and the King鈥檚 Cup.
However, the team began the new season by exiting the Saudi Super Cup in the semifinals following a loss to Al-Nassr, before suffering a second defeat to the Riyadh-based side in the league on Friday. They are third in the standings, three points behind Al-Nassr.
 


Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup鈥檚 Sunday singles

Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup鈥檚 Sunday singles
Updated 28 September 2025

Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup鈥檚 Sunday singles

Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup鈥檚 Sunday singles
  • When a long, loud and obnoxious day ended, Europe set a record for the largest lead going into Sunday singles under the format that dates to 1979: Europe 11 1/2, USA 4 1/2
  • Barring the greatest comeback 鈥 or collapse 鈥 in Ryder Cup history, the Europeans will be heading back across the Atlantic Ocean with that precious gold trophy

FARMINGDALE, N.Y.: Europe painted Bethpage Black in blue scores Saturday with exquisite golf that demolished and disheartened the Americans, and proved to be the best response to a New York Ryder Cup crowd that was so hostile extra security was brought in to keep it from getting worse.

When a long, loud and obnoxious day ended, Europe set a record for the largest lead going into Sunday singles under the format that dates to 1979: Europe 11 1/2, USA 4 1/2.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 imagine this,鈥 European captain Luke Donald said. 鈥淓very time the Americans came at us, we came back. The resiliency and confidence they have is really, truly incredible.鈥

Rory McIlroy caught the brunt of verbal abuse and at one point turned to the spectators and said, 鈥淪hut the (expletive) up.鈥 And then he stuffed his shot to 5 feet for birdie that closed out the foursomes match for another blue point.

It was like that all day. The louder the crowd, the better Europe played. And barring the greatest comeback 鈥 or collapse 鈥 in Ryder Cup history, the Europeans will be heading back across the Atlantic Ocean with that precious gold trophy.

鈥淚鈥檓 seeing what looks like to be historical putting. They鈥檙e making everything,鈥 US captain Keegan Bradley said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e a great team. They鈥檙e great players. They鈥檙e a tough team to beat.鈥

The previous record after the four sessions of team play was 11-5. No team has rallied from more than a four-point deficit on the last day. Europe needs to win only three of the 12 singles matches for the outright win.

Scottie Scheffler also made it into the Ryder Cup record book. The world鈥檚 No. 1 player is the first to go 0-4 under the current format.

Nothing summed up the week for the Americans quite like the 10th hole in fourballs. Tommy Fleetwood hit a wedge about 2 feet under the hole. Scheffler followed with a shot that hit the hole and the base of the pin, then caromed into the rough.

But it was far more than one shot. Europe holed putts from big and small, often getting shouted at by the spectators as they lined up the shots. Nothing stopped them.

The Americans had a lead in only three of the 70 holes played in fourballs Saturday afternoon. US Open champion J.J. Spaun hit it tight on the 17th and 18th for birdies as he and fellow San Diego State alum Xander Schauffele squeezed out one of only two US points on the day.

The other belonged to DeChambeau and Cameron Young in the opening foursomes match.

The New York fans didn鈥檛 turn on the Americans for their performance. They cranked up the noise against Europe, shouting at them in the moments before 鈥 but not during 鈥 their shots, booing at every turn.

鈥淟ook, in between shots, say whatever you want to me,鈥 McIlroy said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 totally fine. Give us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have.鈥

New York State police spokesman Beau Duffy said two fans were ejected. The PGA of America said it added security to the McIlroy match and the other three. It also posted a message on the large video boards on 鈥淪pectator Etiquette.鈥

鈥淎ttendees consuming alcohol should do so in a responsible manner. Overly intoxicated attendees will be removed from the premises.鈥

Fans booed when the message was displayed.

McIlroy ultimately got the last laugh. He is unbeaten in his four matches. Fleetwood is 4-0 and can become the first European to go 5-0 on the road if he wins his singles match.

Whatever chances the Americans had might have ended on the final hole of the final match. Patrick Cantlay holed a few more big putts to keep them in the game, and a win on the 18th hole would have cut the deficit to five points.

Matt Fitzpatrick hit out of a bunker to 2 feet. Tyrrell Hatton, a last-minute sub for Viktor Hovland and his sore neck, hit wedge that nicked his teammate鈥檚 ball. It was another example of Europe鈥檚 superior play.

Cantlay鈥檚 shot spun back against the thick collar of the rough, and Sam Burns could only manage a shot to about 20 feet. Both missed. The throaty cheers of 鈥淥le, Ole, Ole, Ole鈥 returned, and the few American fans who stuck around that long were on their way home.

It got a little testy inside the ropes, too.

Fleetwood and Rose had a 3-up lead on the 15th over Scheffler and DeChambeau. Rose was first to putt from about 15 feet. But he felt DeChambeau鈥檚 caddie was in his space as he was lining up his putt and he told him so.

Rose made the putt, and DeChambeau matched him from 12 feet. DeChambeau barked at them going to the 16th tee and soon the caddies were involved.

There was warm handshakes a hole later when Europe won.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 feel like that space was being honored,鈥 Rose said. 鈥淚 made my feelings known 鈥 asked him to move, maybe not as politely as I could have done, but in the scenario, it鈥檚 coming down the stretch. We both have a lot on our minds and it鈥檚 intense out there.

鈥淚 said to them, 鈥業f I should have done it a different way, I apologize.鈥 But other than that, I had to step up and hit a huge putt with a lot going on.鈥

Bradley was asked what message he would give to his team to keep hopes alive, and the New England native pointed to the Patriots鈥 stunning comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017.

鈥淭wenty-eight to three. I was at that Super Bowl,鈥 Bradley said. 鈥淚 watched it. What a cool thing to have witnessed live in person.鈥

The way this Ryder Cup has played out, 11 1/2 to 4 1/2 feels much bigger.


Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari

Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari
Updated 28 September 2025

Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari

Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari
  • Inter are on nine points, three off leaders Napoli who are at AC Milan on Sunday, while Cagliari remain on seven points, dropping to 10th spot
  • Cagliari are the Inter striker鈥檚 favorite opponents, with Martinez netting his 12th goal against the hosts, who failed to live up to expectations having lost just once previously this season

CAGLIARI, Italy: Inter Milan earned a 2-0 away win over Cagliari on Saturday thanks to an early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late strike by substitute Francesco Pio Esposito, and moved up to fifth in the Serie A standings.

Cristian Chivu鈥檚 Inter desperately needed a win to avoid losing touch at the top at this early stage of the season, having suffered two losses in their opening four games, and a second successive victory keeps them in touch with their title rivals.

Inter are on nine points, three off leaders Napoli who are at AC Milan on Sunday, while Cagliari remain on seven points, dropping to 10th spot.

The visitors鈥 job was made easier with a ninth-minute lead when Alessandro Bastoni put a cross into the area and Martinez rose to send his header into the far corner from the edge of the six-yard box.

Cagliari are the Inter striker鈥檚 favorite opponents, with Martinez netting his 12th goal against the hosts, who failed to live up to expectations having lost just once previously this season, that defeat coming against champions Napoli.

The opening half was a scrappy, physical affair, constantly interrupted by the referee鈥檚 whistle, where Cagliari never threatened Inter鈥檚 early lead, with not a single shot, on or off target, registered before the break.

With Inter unable to create any real chances to increase their lead however, the game remained delicately poised going into the second half.

Inter began to turn the screw after the break, Hakan Calhanoglu鈥檚 strike from outside the area crashing off the upright, and Marcus Thuram drove through on goal but his effort was saved by keeper Elia Caprile.

Esposito was brought on by Inter, the 20-year-old striker coming up against his older brother Sebastiano.

Sebastiano, on loan at Cagliari from Inter, had a rare chance for the hosts from a corner but his volley attempt at the back post was well off target.

Inter were given a warning about their fragile lead when Michael Folorunsho smashed a header off the post from Esposito鈥檚 corner and the visitors duly responded.

Davide Frattesi had a goalbound shot cleared off the line by Cagliari defender Riyad Idrissi and minutes later substitute Esposito scored his first Serie A goal.

Federico Dimarco pulled back the ball from the byline in the area and the unmarked Esposito was there to steer his shot into the back of the net and wrap up the win with eight minutes remaining.


Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA鈥檚 鈥楥hampions Collide鈥 fight night at The Arena Riyadh

Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA鈥檚 鈥楥hampions Collide鈥 fight night at The Arena Riyadh
Updated 28 September 2025

Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA鈥檚 鈥楥hampions Collide鈥 fight night at The Arena Riyadh

Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA鈥檚 鈥楥hampions Collide鈥 fight night at The Arena Riyadh
  • Alaqraa will next meet with Morocco鈥檚 Diani, who beat Lebanon鈥檚 Fazli in the other welterweight semifinal match
  • Saudi MMA fighter Hattan Alsaif announces decision to turn professional after a flawless 4-0 amateur career

RIYADH: Kuwait鈥檚 mixed martial arts fighter Mohammad Alaqraa defeated Egypt鈥檚 Ayman Galal by technical knockout in the PFL MENA Welterweight Semifinal Saturday night at The Arena Riyadh, earning his way to a final match with Morocco鈥檚 Badreddine Diani.

The fight ended in just 21 seconds after Alaqraa (9-1) landed a powerful kick to the thigh of Galal (4-2), sending the 鈥淢aestro鈥 down, apparently injured. 

Alaqraa鈥檚 victory concluded an action-packed 鈥淐hampions Collide鈥 fight night featuring Professional Fighters League combatants from the Middle East and North Africa, which also saw Saudi fighter Hattan Alsaif announcing her decision to turn professional after a flawless 4-0 amateur career. 

鈥淚 knew he鈥檚 gonna think I鈥檓 gonna grapple and shoot in the beginning,鈥 Alaqraa told Arab News after the fight. 

鈥淎s a fighter, we try our best to prepare for the fight. We do our best to see how the fight could go, but by the end of the day, it鈥檚 all about God and he plans it,鈥 he said. 

Alaqraa will next meet Diani, who earlier defeated Lebanon鈥檚 Amir Fazli via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2) in a fight marred by a judging controversy earlier in the night. Diani was initially announced as the loser, but the result was corrected to confirm his victory. 

In the Lightweight semifinals, Salah Eddine Hamli forced to submission Souhil Tairi in the third round via arm-triangle choke. Hamli will face the undefeated Mohammad Fahmi (6-0), who opened the night by subduing Mohsen Mohammadseifi in the first round.

The Featherweight bracket also shaped up as Islam Reda dominated Taha Bendaoud via unanimous decision. Reda will face Yanis Ghemmouri, who earned his semifinal victory over Izzeddine Al Derbani by unanimous decision.

In Bantamweight action, Islam Youssef defeated veteran Xavier Alaoui by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) to advance to the final against Nawras Abzakh, who beat Moktar Benkaci via unanimous decision.

Saudi rising star Malik Basahel remained unbeaten, crushing Ahmed Mostafa with a second-round rear-naked choke. Meanwhile, Hassan Ahmed Moustafa edged Abdulaziz Bin Moammar in a split-decision amateur showcase.

Adding to the evening鈥檚 excitement, Hattan Alsaif announced she will make her professional debut on Dec. 5 after a perfect 4-0 amateur career.

Hattan Alsaif made history when she became the first female from 黑料社区 to sign a contract with a major MMA promoter 鈥 the PFL, now backed by Saudi鈥檚 public investment fund. (Instagram photo)

Reflecting on her journey, Alsaif told Arab News: 鈥淭his type of sports are new to us. It鈥檚 true for, but Saudi people are really strong, they have really strong hearts, and they are brave.鈥 Her announcement marks a milestone moment for women鈥檚 MMA in the Kingdom.

The 鈥淐hampions Collide鈥 event highlighted Riyadh鈥檚 growing status as a premier global destination for combat sports. Fighters from across the region left it all inside the cage as they chased glory and a shot at the inaugural PFL MENA crowns.