Latest news with #RobertoMancini
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Man City legend Yaya Toure, 42, finally set for first manager job nearly three years after ‘snubbing EFL side'
MANCHESTER CITY icon Yaya Toure is set to take his first job in management with a role in Belgium. Toure, 42, has been working in coaching since hanging up his boots in 2019, but is now reportedly in line for the managers job at Belgian second tier side Daring Brussels. 5 5 The three-time Premier League champion is no stranger to Beligan football, having made 70 top flight appearances in Belgium for KSK Beveren in the early days of his career. According to Sacha Tavolieri, via Sport, Daring Brussels want to bring the former midfielder back to Belgium as they look to return to the top flight having lost their promotion play-off this season after a third place finish. Daring Brussels are owned by John Textor, the billionaire American who also holds shares in Botafogo and Lyon, and recently agreed to sell his stake in Crystal Palace. Toure had been offered a role in English management back in 2022, snubbing the change to take over as Wigan Athletic boss at the time. Since retiring Toure has coached across Europe, working as an assistant at Olimpik Donetsk in Ukraine and Akhmat Grozny in Russia, as well as taking charge of Tottenham's youth team. He also spent nine months as assistant boss with Standard Liege, strengthening his knowledge of Belgian football. Most recently Toure has been working as the assistant manager to Roberto Mancini for the Saudi Arabian national team. Speaking recently to Rio Ferdinand about his desire to become a coach, Toure said: 'Football gave me everything during my life and when you hang up your boots sometimes it's difficult to find yourself. 5 'You start thinking four or five years before you stop the football [about what to do next]. 'I think, going into that, It was good because I got the experience of working with people that make me change my mind in terms of doing something and loving something. 'Playing was one thing, now managing a team and a group of people is completely different.' As a player Toure played for the likes of Man City, Barcelona, Monaco and Olympiacos. He ended his career with three Premier League titles, one Champions League, two La Liga title, one FA Cup and three League Cups. Toure also represented his nation of the Ivory Coast 97 times, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 as captain of the side. 5 5
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Italy confirm World Cup winner as their new manager after ex-boss Luciano Spalletti announced his OWN sacking
Italy have appointed Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach — just days after outgoing boss Luciano Spalletti stunned a press conference by announcing that he had been sacked. Gattuso, a World Cup-winning midfielder from Italy's 2006 triumph in Germany, was officially confirmed in the role on Sunday by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), who hailed him as 'a symbol of Italian football'. The 47-year-old takes charge following a turbulent start to the Azzurri's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which began with a dismal 3-0 defeat to Norway in Oslo last week. That loss prompted a swift decision behind the scenes — one which Spalletti himself disclosed in a remarkable news conference the following day. The former Napoli manager told reporters: 'Last night we were very together with president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team.' Despite being informed of his dismissal, Spalletti remained in charge for Italy's 2-0 win over Moldova on Monday — his final match at the helm. He left the job having overseen 12 wins, six draws and six defeats since taking over from Roberto Mancini in 2023. Gattuso now inherits a team short on confidence and identity. But he brings with him a wealth of experience — both on the pitch and on the touchline. As a player — known for his relentless energy, fierce tackling and emotional leadership — he earned 73 caps for Italy between 2000 and 2010. He played in three World Cups and was a central figure in Marcello Lippi's 2006 side that triumphed in Berlin against France. Since moving into management, Gattuso has had an itinerant career, coaching nine clubs in 12 years — including spells at Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Marseille and, most recently, Croatian side Hajduk Split. He left Hajduk by mutual consent earlier this month. His most successful stint came at Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020 and recorded a win percentage of 56.79 per cent. In total, Gattuso has taken charge of 376 senior matches as a manager, winning 161, drawing 108 and losing 107, giving him an overall win rate of 42.82 per cent. Italian Football Federation president Gravina said: 'Gattuso is not only a World Cup winner — he's a fighter, a leader, and a symbol of Italian football. We believe he can transmit the spirit and identity this team needs.' Italy currently sit third in World Cup qualifying Group I, behind Norway and Israel. Moldova and Estonia are also in Group I. Gattuso's first match in charge will be at home to Estonia on September 5.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mancini wants to be Italy coach again: ‘I made a wrong choice'
Mancini wants to be Italy coach again: 'I made a wrong choice' Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini admits he's open to coaching the Azzurri again after Luciano Spalletti's dismissal: 'Sometimes, wrong decisions are made.' Mancini stepped down as the Nazionale coach in September 2023, becoming the coach of the Saudi Arabia national team only a few weeks later. Advertisement The 60-year-old only remained in charge for 18 games until October 2024. Today, he explained his Italy exit once again and admitted he's open to returning. Mancini explains his Italy exit and offers an apology AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia, reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024, in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by) 'These situations happen in football; the problem was that two or three of them piled up,' Mancini told Gazzetta. 'It's fair to say that if Gravina and I had talked more often during those weeks, to clear things up, none of this would have happened. Sometimes, wrong decisions are made. 'It's true that I no longer felt the same level of trust as before, but I should have spoken to the president about it,' Mancini continued. Advertisement 'I could have done that, and it's my fault. Today, who knows, we may still be working together, trying to reach the World Cup. Maybe, after winning the Euros for a second time.' Mancini wants Italy return Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Italy interacts with Alberigo Evani, Assistant Coach of Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Italy and Austria at Wembley Stadium at Wembley Stadium on June 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images) Why would he return? 'There's nothing better than coaching the national team,' Mancini admitted. 'I've won with clubs, but winning with Italy is something else entirely. Also, you always want to return to where you were happy. I felt amazing at Coverciano; the atmosphere was truly fantastic. Be the Italy coach – Football Italia writers pick ideal Italy XI: choose yours' 'There's no doubt it would be a great challenge, a big risk. But sometimes you need to take risks, right?' Mancini won the Euros in 2021, but faced elimination from the World Cup qualifying playoffs just a few months later. During his tenure as the Azzurri boss, Mancio said he dreamt of winning the World Cup with La Nazionale. Advertisement 'It's the only debut I feel with the fans. As I've always said, I would have loved, and I'd still love, to win a World Cup,' he confirmed. Mancini feels he and Gravina can clear the air BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by) 'I've said for a few months that I made a wrong choice and I wouldn't make it again. I said that back when no one expected it.' Mancini is confident he'd find a way to clear the air with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. 'I don't think it would be a problem,' argued Mancini. 'We already met and spoke in the past. The president knows mistakes happen in life. The most important thing is that we understood each other on that point, regardless of what happens next.' Advertisement Has he spoken to some of his ex-Italy players? 'Not in the last few days, but it hasn't been long since we last talked,' Mancini concluded. Football Italia understands that Gennaro Gattuso, a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, is now the leading candidate to replace Luciano Spalletti as Italy coach. The former midfielder has already spoken to Italy Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mancini on Italy's bad luck football's, striker prediction and ‘one of football's greatest mysteries'
In the second part of his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, ex-Italy coach Roberto Mancini said the Azzurri had had 'terrible bad luck' in missing out on the 2022 World Cup and insisted that Simone Pafundi's lack of playing time in Serie A is 'one of football's greatest mysteries.' Former Italy CT Mancini admitted he'd love to return to Coverciano to replace Luciano Spalletti, but his interview with Gazzetta included more of his thoughts about his spell as the Azzurri boss and his view on some Italian players. Advertisement Currently, the environment around the Azzurri is beyond negative as the team lost 3-0 to Norway in their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers debut, leading to Spalletti's dismissal. Fans and media are pessimistic about the Azzurri's chances of qualifying for the tournament to be held in the USA next year. 'It's the easiest thing to latch onto. Because it pays off more, negative news is what makes headlines; it gets people talking,' Mancini explained. The 60-year-old won Euro 2020 as the Italy coach, but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Mancini on Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by) 'Certainly, it was something very particular and during a tough time. In football, you also need a bit of luck; even those with Messi and Ronaldo have never won without some,' he said. Advertisement 'If Dibu Martinez hadn't made that save on Kolo Muani at minute 120, Argentina would have lost the World Cup, which they won on penalties. At the same time, sometimes you have terrible bad luck, like we did, missing out on the World Cup. 'We dominated the group, but were eliminated due to two missed penalties and a loss to North Macedonia, despite having 27 shots to their one. That game should have ended 4-1 or 5-1, just like the one in Basel should have ended 3-0. Football sometimes gives and sometimes takes away. We had a bit of luck winning the Euros and a lot of bad luck missing out on the World Cup.' Mancini and 'one of football's greatest mysteries' UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 23: Simone Pafundi of Italy during the UEFA EURO 2024 Elite Round Qualifier between Czech Republic U19 and Italy U19 at Stadio Friuli on March 23, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by) Mancini regularly called up Udinese talent Pafundi and gave him his senior debut in 2022. Advertisement 'For me, it's one of football's greatest mysteries. I can't understand how he's not playing in Serie A,' Mancini said. 'I've seen him up close several times, but there are others too. If you don't put them on the field, how are they supposed to improve? 'A young player needs to play, sit out, play again, but then comes the most important party: they need to be allowed to make mistakes.' Pafundi returned to Udinese in the January transfer window after a one-year loan at Lausanne-Sport. The 19-year-old has 19 Serie A appearances. Which other young Italian players have caught Mancio's eyes? 'I had already said Fazzini, and he got a bit more playing time. I really like Liberali, and Lucca could become an excellent striker,' Mancini concluded.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex Man City & Italy Coach Reveals ‘Inter Milan Never Called Me' After Simone Inzaghi Exit
Roberto Mancini says that Inter Milan 'never called him' in their search for a new coach after Simone Inzaghi stepped down. The former Nerazzurri coach spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, in an interview in today's print edition. Advertisement At the start of June, Simone Inzaghi left Inter Milan. The 49-year-old stepped down after four years at the helm of the Nerazzurri. This naturally came as a major shock to the system for Inter. Moreover, the Nerazzurri had to act quickly in order to replace the departed coach. That was particularly the case considering the fact that the Club World Cup is just on the horizon. Roberto Mancini: 'Inter Milan Never Called Me' In Search For Inzaghi Replacement Getty Images There were a few notable candidates on Inter's shortlist, according to reports. The Nerazzurri had been working on snapping up Cesc Fabregas to become Inzaghi's successor. Advertisement However, Como President Mirwan Suwarson strongly rebuffed the Nerazzurri's interest, and stated that the Lariani would refuse to release the Spaniard. Meanwhile, Genoa coach Patrick Vieira was another name reportedly on Inter's shortlist. In the end, it was Cristian Chivu who Inter turned to, though. The Treble-winning former defender terminated his contract with Parma and arrived at the San Siro. However, there were also some murmurs that Inter could instead turn to a more experienced name. Roberto Mancini would certainly be this kind of appointment. The 60-year-old has already had two stints at Inter. Meanwhile, he's coached clubs like Lazio, Manchester City, and Galatasaray, as well as the Italian national team. Advertisement But as far as the prospect of replacing Inzaghi this time around, Mancini said that 'No one from Inter ever called me.' 'I did speak to Juve a few months ago,' the experienced coach continued. 'But now they have a different coach, Tudor's done well.' Meanwhile, as far as next season's Serie A title race, Mancini stated that 'it depends on how much the other teams strengthen.' 'Napoli will do so, they have the financial means to do so. They'll start out with an advantage.' 'But watch out for Juve,' Mancini added.
