DOHA — In a surprising turn of events, Saudi national team coach Roberto Mancini revealed that the absence of several Saudi players from the team's roster was not his decision but rather a result of the players' refusal to participate.
Addressing the media before the Oman match, Mancini disclosed that players such as Salman Al Faraj and Sultan Al Ghanam had expressed their unwillingness to play in the national team during the training camp. He clarified that despite their previous participation in training camps, these players opted not to join the current one.
Mancini elaborated on individual cases, citing that Salman Al Faraj declined to play in the first friendly during the initial camp, and Sultan Al Ghanam expressed his dissatisfaction with joining the national team. He also mentioned goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, who initially agreed to come to the camp but later changed his mind in Riyadh.
Expressing his surprise at the players' decisions, Mancini emphasized that no player, regardless of their stature, should have the authority to decide whether to play or not. He underscored his preference for a team where everyone is committed to representing their country.
Regarding the upcoming match against Oman, Mancini acknowledged the strength of the Omani team, stating that the first match is always challenging. He addressed concerns about Saudi players playing fewer minutes in the Saudi league, attributing it to the presence of many foreign players and expressing confidence in the team's preparation for the Asian Cup.
Mancini also touched on the departure of some players from the list, explaining that he had informed them about the possibility of injuries and adjustments to the final list. However, players like Mohammed Maran and Khaled Al Ghanam decided not to stay. Mancini assured that he had discussed Nawaf Al Aqidi's desire to leave with the president of the Saudi Football Federation.
Reflecting on the strange situation of players refusing to join the national team, Mancini conveyed his understanding of veteran players making such decisions but expressed his surprise at young players declining the opportunity to represent their country. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the need for the team to be strong and believe in themselves to achieve positive results in the tournament.
