Mancini highlights lack of regular playing time as key issue for Saudi players

Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Italian coach Roberto Mancini, the head coach of the Saudi national team, has expressed concern over the lack of consistent playing time for Saudi players in the Saudi Pro league, pointing to missed opportunities as a significant problem for the team.

Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Indonesia in their opening match of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mancini stated: “As we mentioned, the first match is always difficult, especially since the Indonesian team has some standout players playing in Europe.”

He added: “I was not satisfied with our performance in the first 30 minutes, but after that, I was pleased. In football, if you don’t capitalize on your chances, you won’t win.”

Mancini clarified that left-back Muteb Al-Harbi was not injured but suggested that recent pressure might have affected his performance.

Addressing another concern, Mancini noted “We have an issue with wasting opportunities. When you look at our matches against Korea, Jordan, and today, we missed clear chances, including a penalty.”

Mancini also emphasized the problem of Saudi national team players not getting regular playing time in the Saudi league. “Is Mohammed Al-Owais playing regularly for Al Hilal? Of course not. Is Hassan Tambakti participating? Musab Al-Juwayr was our best player today, yet he doesn’t play regularly for his club,” he said. “We are facing teams whose players are consistently playing.”

When asked about possible solutions to the lack of regular playing time for his players, Mancini replied: “There is no immediate solution. We just need to keep working and continue to put in the effort.”

He concluded by noting “We have 20 players in the squad who are not regular starters in the Saudi league, and that is a real problem.”