Saudi Arabia parts ways with Mancini: Will Zidane take over?

Background and Context

Saudi Arabia's partnership with Roberto Mancini has come to an end, sparking speculation about the potential appointment of Zinedine Zidane as his replacement.

Mancini's departure follows a disappointing FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where Saudi Arabia finished third in their group and missed out on automatic qualification.

Zidane's Profile and Previous Success

Zinedine Zidane is a legendary French footballer and highly regarded coach.

As a coach, Zidane has led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, a feat unmatched in the competition's history.

His impressive track record and star power make him an attractive candidate for the Saudi Arabian national team.

Saudi Arabia's Ambition and Zidane's Fit

Saudi Arabia has ambitious footballing goals, including hosting the 2027 Asian Cup and qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zidane's experience and ability to develop young players could align well with Saudi Arabia's long-term objectives.

Challenges and Expectations

If appointed, Zidane will face the challenge of rebuilding a team that has underperformed in recent years.

The expectations will be high, with Saudi Arabia hoping to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and make a significant impact.

Zidane will need to adapt to the unique cultural and footballing landscape of Saudi Arabia to succeed.

Other Potential Candidates

While Zidane is the frontrunner, there are other potential candidates who could be considered for the role.

These include Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca, former Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli, and ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Conclusion

The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as Saudi Arabia's coach would be a major coup for the country.

His experience, star power, and ability to develop young players could help Saudi Arabia achieve its ambitious footballing goals.

However, there are challenges and expectations involved, and Zidane will need to adapt to the unique context of Saudi Arabian football to succeed.