Mancini urges Saudi players to adapt in Ronaldo"s league

Roberto Mancini, the coach of Saudi Arabia's national team, has expressed concerns regarding the lack of playing time for local players in the Saudi Pro League, which is dominated by foreign stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. This situation is particularly troubling as the national team prepares for crucial World Cup qualifying matches. Mancini highlighted that many of his players are sitting on the bench during local matches, which hampers their development and readiness for international competition. The Saudi national team recently drew 1-1 against Indonesia, the lowest-ranked team in their qualifying group, indicating struggles in capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Mancini emphasized the need for local players to be core participants in their clubs to enhance their performance on the national stage. He called for better cooperation between the national team and club management to ensure that local talent receives adequate playing time. As the team gears up for an important match against China, Mancini's concerns reflect a broader issue within the league, where clubs are utilizing their full quota of foreign imports. This trend raises questions about the long-term development of Saudi players and their ability to compete effectively in international tournaments. The qualification process for the World Cup involves 18 teams divided into three groups, with the top two from each group automatically qualifying. The pressure is on Mancini and his squad to improve their performance and secure a place in the tournament, especially after a disappointing start in their qualifying campaign.