Roberto Mancini Set for Al Sadd Move in Stunning Return to Middle East Football

Former Manchester City and Italy coach Roberto Mancini is set to begin a new chapter in his illustrious career, as he takes charge of Qatari side Al Sadd.

According to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 60-year-old tactician will fly to Doha on Wednesday to officially sign his contract as the new head coach of Al Sadd.

Mancini’s deal is expected to run until May 2026, marking a significant return to the Middle East after his brief stint as manager of the Saudi Arabia national team between August 2023 and October 2024.

The Italian manager is expected to make his debut on November 24, when Al Sadd take on Al-Wahda in the AFC Champions League.

Al Sadd, currently sixth in the Qatar Stars League, have been under interim coach Sergio Alegre since the sacking of Felix Sanchez on October 15. Mancini’s arrival is seen as part of the club’s broader plan to reestablish itself among Asia’s elite teams.

Opinion: A Smart Move or a Step Back for Mancini?

Mancini’s decision to join Al Sadd raises both curiosity and debate in the football world. For a coach who once lifted the Premier League title with Manchester City and guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory, many fans might view this move as a step away from Europe’s limelight.

However, it’s important to recognize the strategic nature of his decision. The Middle East is quickly becoming a magnet for high-profile coaches, with clubs investing heavily in both infrastructure and talent. For Mancini, this could be an opportunity to build something lasting — a project with both competitive ambition and financial stability.

Moreover, Al Sadd is not just any club. They are Qatar’s most successful side, known for their technical style and history of nurturing stars, including Xavi Hernández, who once managed the team before returning to Barcelona. With Mancini’s tactical expertise, Al Sadd might just rediscover their dominance both domestically and continentally.

In truth, Mancini’s move to Al Sadd symbolizes the shifting balance of global football — where influence, ambition, and opportunity now stretch far beyond Europe’s traditional borders. Whether this chapter ends as a masterstroke or a quiet retreat from the spotlight, only time — and a few wins — will tell.