Italian coach Roberto Mancini defended his team’s performance in a recent match against Bahrain, which ended in a goalless draw. Mancini stated that the Saudi national team deserved to win the game, despite missing several opportunities including a penalty. He emphasized that the team was the better side on the pitch and criticized the lack of luck in converting penalties in previous matches. Mancini also highlighted the team’s need for improvement in offensive play, stating that the attacking performance has been below standard for some time.
During a post-match press conference, Mancini addressed criticism from fans and external sources, stating that the blame should not solely be placed on the coach. He stressed the importance of players taking responsibility for their performance and acknowledging their role in the team’s current situation. Mancini highlighted the progress the team has made collectively and encouraged the attacking players to step up and contribute more to the team’s success. He also expressed frustration over the lack of playing time some young players are receiving at their clubs and emphasized the need for all players to give their best on the field.
Mancini specifically pointed out Salem Al-Dawsari’s missed penalty in the match and responded sharply to questions about it, stating that individuals should direct their inquiries to the player himself. He mentioned that the team’s fortunes would have been different had they converted penalties in previous matches, leading to a better point standing. Despite the team’s efforts to change the dynamics on the field by fielding all their forwards, Mancini expressed disappointment in the lack of luck and noted that the offensive play must improve for future matches.
In conclusion, Mancini deemed the goalless draw against Bahrain as unacceptable and called for a stronger performance from the team moving forward. He reiterated the need for both the coach and players to work together to improve the team’s results and expressed confidence in the players’ abilities to deliver better performances. Mancini’s bold statements and determination to address the team’s shortcomings demonstrate his commitment to guiding the Saudi national team to success in future matches.
