Director Mancini met with Korea on a single tree bridge.

The 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup round of 16 match between Korea and Saudi Arabia held at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on the 31st (Korean time).

The Saudi Arabian Football Association also showed signs of dissatisfaction with coach Roberto Mancini, known as the world's highest-paid head coach, for leaving work early during the Korean game.

According to the Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat, Saudi Football Association President Yasser al-Misehal said Coach Mancini's performance in the round of 16 against Korea at the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup held at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on the 31st (Korean time). He pointed out that his actions were not appropriate.

In an interview with a local broadcaster, Chairman Almisehal said, “It is difficult to understand why Coach Mancini left (the ground),” and added, “We will discuss with Coach Mancini why he did such a thing.”

However, he added, “I am satisfied with (Saudi Arabia’s) performance that Coach Mancini brought out.”

Saudi Arabia, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, was tied 1-1 for 120 minutes until overtime and lost 2-4 in a penalty shootout.

Saudi Arabia, who allowed Cho Kyu-seong (Midtjylland) to score the tying goal just before the end of the second half, forcing an unplanned overtime period, lost their third and fourth kickers in succession in the penalty shoot-out, giving their ticket to the quarterfinals to Klinsmann.

When Saudi Arabia's second miss occurred in the penalty shootout, Coach Mancini left the bench and went into the tunnel.

There is growing criticism that coach Mancini's attitude is irresponsible, as he appears to have given up on the game before the players, rather than watching until the end when the team's victory or defeat is decided.