Mancini Takes Over As Coach Of Qatar’s Al-Sadd

Qatari club Al-Sadd announced on Thursday that they have appointed former Manchester City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini as their new head coach.

“Roberto Mancini has signed a contract as Al-Sadd’s coach for 2.5 seasons,” the club announced on social media, alongside photos of Mancini with a pen in hand, also holding a club shirt bearing his name.

“Benvenuto Signor Mancini,” the club welcomed him, providing no financial details of the deal.

The 60-year-old, a former striker, has led both Inter Milan and Manchester City to domestic league titles and guided Italy to victory in Euro 2020—held in 2021—during his career. His most recent coaching role was with the Saudi Arabian national team from August 2023 until October 2024.

At Al-Sadd, Mancini replaces Spanish coach Felix Sanchez, who led the club to a record 18th Qatari league title and a domestic cup triumph last season before being dismissed in October.

Following nine rounds of matches, Al-Sadd sits sixth in the 12-team Qatar Stars League, eight points behind leaders Al Gharafa. They are currently 10th in the 12-team Asian Champions League Elite Western group, five points away from eighth place, which is the last qualifying position for the knockout rounds.