Football

Mancini explains reason for walking out on AFC Asian Cup match

Saudi Arabia manager Roberto Mancini has apologized and explained his reasons for walking out of Saudi Arabia’s penalty shootout loss to South Korea in Round 16 of the Asian Cup just days ago.

South Korea defeated Saudi Arabia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. However, Roberto Mancini was seen heading down the tunnel before South Korea took their winning penalty after Saudi Arabia had lost two successive kicks.

Many criticized the Italian manager for abandoning his players on the pitch, but the former Manchester City manager has clarified the reasons why he headed into the tunnel at such a crucial time of the game.

“I apologize [for leaving early]; I thought it was finished. I didn’t want to disrespect anyone. I want to say thank you to all my players for what they did. They are improving a lot. We as a group, we improved a lot. We’ve worked for one month together [for the Asian Cup], and this is important.” Mancini told reporters.

Roberto Mancini’s hopes of winning another international trophy after winning Euro 2020 with Italy were boosted by Abdullah Radif’s goal in the 46th minute, which gave Saudi Arabia the lead in the round-of-16 encounter, but Cho Gue-Sung’s stoppage-time header forced an additional 30 minutes of action.

Eventually, the Green Falcons lost 4-2 on penalties after Sami Al-Najei and Abdulrahman Ghareeb had their spot-kicks saved as Mancini was criticized at full-time for leaving his players before South Korea’s winning penalty was taken.

Meanwhile, South Korea are one of the five former champions who are through to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 quarter-finals following the conclusion of the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Quarter-finals Fixtures:

Friday

Tajikistan v Jordan

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan)

Kick-off: 14:30 (UTC+3)

Australia v Korea Republic

Venue: Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah)

Kick-off: 18:30 (UTC+3)

Saturday

IR Iran v Japan

Venue: Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan)

Kick-off: 14:30 (UTC+3)