Roberto Mancini Takes Helm as Head Coach of Al Sadd

Roberto Mancini has officially returned to the touchline, having been unveiled as the new head coach of Al Sadd, the reigning champions of Qatar. Signing a two-and-a-half-year contract, the 60-year-old Mancini resumes management for the first time since stepping down as head coach of Saudi Arabia in October 2024. Although he engaged in discussions with Nottingham Forest regarding a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou this season, the Premier League club ultimately opted for Sean Dyche, thereby paving the way for Al Sadd to secure Mancini’s services.

This appointment represents a significant achievement for the Doha-based club, which previously revitalized its ambitions under Xavi Hernandez, before the Barcelona legend returned to Spain. Mancini now steps into the role once filled by Xavi, as Al Sadd seeks to harness another high-profile leader to elevate their standards and reassert their dominance in Qatari football.

Mancini’s arrival signals a strategic pivot for the club. His impressive resume—marked by winning Manchester City’s first Premier League title and lifting the Euro 2020 trophy with Italy—underscores Al Sadd’s ambition to modernize and enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. This transition comes at a crucial time for the club, currently positioned sixth in the Qatar Stars League and recently parting ways with Felix Sanchez. The board is aiming for a reset focused on elite coaching expertise and notable talent.

This strategy is further exemplified by the permanent acquisition of Roberto Firmino from Al-Ahli, providing Mancini with a marquee player to spearhead his offensive strategy. The partnership between Firmino and Mancini is viewed internally as a foundational element for a long-term rebuild.

Since leaving Manchester City in 2013, Mancini has managed various clubs across Europe, including Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Zenit St. Petersburg, and the Italian national team, before taking the reins in Saudi Arabia. His return to the Middle East positions him at the helm of Qatar’s most successful club, which has a history of attracting high-profile talent both on and off the pitch, evidenced by the participation of legends like Raul and Xavi.

As Mancini approaches his 61st birthday later this month, this marks a pivotal moment in his career, one he hopes will restore his managerial momentum. His adaptability and extensive experience across top-tier leagues make him well-suited to a squad in search of tactical clarity and discipline.

Mancini is set to manage his first match on November 24, away against Al-Wahda in the AFC Champions League, while interim manager Sergio Alegre continues to oversee training. With Al Sadd striving to ascend the league standings and redefine their identity, all eyes will be on Mancini to deliver an immediate impact and replicate the success that Xavi once brought to Doha.