Roberto Mancini to miss next Al Sadd match as statement released

Roberto Mancini will miss Al Sadd’s next match after being unable to return to Qatar.

The Italian had been scheduled to fly back in time for Friday’s clash with Umm Salal after leaving for a family medical matter.

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However, the club have confirmed the disruption to flight schedules caused by the ongoing conflict in the region has delayed his return.

Mancini’s side will instead be managed by Sergio Alegre for the Qatar Stars League encounter.

Al Sadd statement

In a statement, Al Sadd said: “Based on prior coordination between our head coach Roberto Mancini and the club’s management, it had been planned for the coach to leave after the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite match due to a family medical matter.

“Following the recent developments in the region, Mancini departed as scheduled.

“However, due to the flight situation, he has not yet been able to return.

“Accordingly, Sergio Alegre will lead the team in tomorrow’s match against Umm Salal, while coordination will continue for the coach’s return at the earliest available opportunity.”

Al Sadd had been due to face Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite last 16 earlier this month.

However, the fixtures in the west region of the draw were postponed due to the ongoing Iran War.

A new date for their two-legged clash with the Saudi Arabian side has yet to be announced.

Al Sadd are two-time winners of the competition, most recently in 2011.

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It is not yet clear whether Mancini will be in charge of their match against Al Arabi on Tuesday.

The away fixture is Al Sadd’s final fixture before this month’s international break.

Meanwhile, they have a total of five matches remaining in the Qatar Stars League this season.

Heading into the run-in, Mancini’s side sit four points clear at the top of the table having won their last five.

Al Sadd are aiming to win a record-extending 19th league title this term.

Mancini has been in charge since he was appointed as manager in November on a deal through until 2028.

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He has since won 11 of his 14 matches at the helm across all competitions.

The 61-year-old’s arrival followed previous talks with Nottingham Forest.

Mancini had been considered for the job at the City Ground after Ange Postecoglou’s sacking.

He was also tipped to take over at Juventus prior to being appointed by Al Sadd.