Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Paolo di Canio rejected the opportunity to join Roberto Mancini’s coaching team withing the Saudi Arabia national team after being approached by his fellow Italian.

Mancini resigned as Italy head coach at the start of August following a difficult run of form and reports of his relationship deteriorating with the nation’s federation before taking up his current position in the Middle East at the end of the month.

The former Premier League title-winning coach is tasked with transforming Saudi Arabia’s national team into a side capable of going deeper into major tournaments and Mancini called on Di Canio to help him achieve that aim.

The 55-year-old would have been following a host of players and managers departing for Saudi Arabia given the riches on offer, but Di Canio revealed to La Stampa that he didn’t want to entertain a move.

Paolo di Canio rejected the opportunity to join the coaching team at Saudi Arabia

Paolo di Canio rejected the opportunity to join the coaching team at Saudi Arabia

Paolo di Canio rejected the opportunity to join the coaching team at Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia manager Roberto Mancini approached Di Canio over becoming his assistant

Saudi Arabia manager Roberto Mancini approached Di Canio over becoming his assistant

Saudi Arabia manager Roberto Mancini approached Di Canio over becoming his assistant

Mancini wanted to hire Di Canio as his assistant manager, and although delighted at having been considered, the Italian decided to ‘follow his heart’.

‘I didn’t just say no to oil money, because it would have been an important experience in an environment that wants to grow and establish itself, like I do myself,’ said Di Canio.

‘Roberto Mancini didn’t offer me a minor role, he wanted me as a second coach on the pitch to train and improve the players.

Di Canio hasn't been in the dugout since leaving his post at Sunderland as decade ago

Di Canio hasn't been in the dugout since leaving his post at Sunderland as decade ago

Di Canio hasn’t been in the dugout since leaving his post at Sunderland as decade ago

Mancini is without a win in his first three matches in charge of Saudi Arabia

Mancini is without a win in his first three matches in charge of Saudi Arabia

Mancini is without a win in his first three matches in charge of Saudi Arabia

‘His courtship made me proud, especially given that we aren’t particularly close: a few games of Padel, a chat and not a lot more, so if he thought about me, it’s because he believes in my ideas and my work.’

‘I want to thank him, it wasn’t easy to decide, I contemplated it for a long time, and in the end I chose to follow my heart.’ 

Mancini’s Saudi Arabia have only won of his first three games with the former European Championship winner in charge, however they drew with Nigeria in his first match.

Defeats against South Korea and Costa Rica have since followed with upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Pakistan and Jordan scheduled for the end of November.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Transfer Update: Bhoys Profit from Kuhn’s Departure as Winger Prepares for Como Transfer

CELTIC winger Nicolas Kuhn is on the brink of confirming his Parkhead…

Inside Oleksandr Usyk’s Training Strategy: The Secret Tools and Techniques He Uses to Stay Ahead of the Game for the Daniel Dubois Rematch

It’s easy to wonder how he is still managing it. How, at…

At 40, Thiago Silva continues to lead Fluminense, gearing up to face his former team Chelsea in the Club World Cup semi-final, with his supportive wife cheering from the sidelines.

As Thiago Silva addressed the Chelsea fans in April 2024 to inform…

Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Accuser Left Without Legal Representation at Initial $50M Lawsuit Hearing

The initial hearing for Shannon Sharpe’s sexual assault lawsuit in Nevada faced…

Joao Pedro Geared Up for Clash: Chelsea Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Semi-Final with Iconic Boxing Announcer in Attendance

It is believed FIFA have hired Michael Buffer — the legendary ring…

Enzo Maresca Discloses Decision-Maker Behind Noni Madueke’s Departure from Chelsea as He Nears £52 Million Transfer to Arsenal

Enzo Maresca has revealed who was behind the decision to allow Noni…

Yoane Wissa aims to exit Brentford in a historic move to another Premier League team

Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford this summer, talkSPORT understands. The…

Mark Clattenburg Demands Tougher Penalties for Divers in New Mail Podcast, Criticizes Premier League Stars for ‘Cheating’

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has called for more players to be sent…

Meet Diego Leon: At 18, This Youngest of Nine from Rural Paraguay’s Humble Beginnings Joins Manchester United as a £7M Rising Star

Manchester United’s search to bolster their options at left back has taken…

Barcelona Reveals Impressive New Home Kit for Camp Nou Comeback

Barcelona are preparing to make their much-anticipated return to the legendary –…

Ajax Unveils 2025/26 Aquatic Away Kit in Tribute to Amsterdam’s Heritage

As Amsterdam marks its 750th anniversary, Ajax is paying tribute to the…

AC Milan Unveils Striking 2025/26 Away Kit Featuring Classic Devil Logo

AC Milan has officially revealed their away kit for the 2025/26 season,…