Italian coach Roberto Mancini, coach of Saudi Arabia’s first national football team, made statements that caused controversy on the sporting streets of Saudi Arabia regarding the exclusion of the trio Al-Nasr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahly.
Over the past few days, the Italian coach has come under heavy criticism from Saudi fans due to the exclusion of: (Sultan Al-Ghannam, Al-Nasr player – Muhammad Kanno, Al-Hilal player, and Firas Al-Braykan, Al-Ahly player).
Mancini reveals the reason for the exclusion of the trinity of An-Nasr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahly
During a press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match against Pakistan, the Saudi Arabian coach said: “Now… it’s time to create a new generation for the Saudi Arabian team.”
Regarding the exclusion of Muhammad Kanno, Sultan Al-Ghannam and Firas Al-Braykan, the trio of Al-Hilal, Al-Nasr and Al-Ahli respectively, despite their brilliance, he confirmed that this was due to technical reasons.
The Italian explained that he wants to invite only those players who are 100% ready to join the green camp, and that the door is open to everyone who wants to join the national team.