Roberto Mancini has expressed that he would eagerly return to the English Premier League “anytime” as he prepares for his next managerial opportunity. In an exclusive, insightful interview with Transfermarkt, Mancini shared his thoughts on various topics including his ambitions, Manchester City, Vincent Kompany, and Serie A.
The renowned Italian manager has been out of work since departing as head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team in October 2024 and admits to greatly missing the coaching experience. According to Transfermarkt, several clubs have approached Mancini about a return to management, but he is holding out for the right opportunity. During his four-year tenure at Manchester City, he famously guided the team to their first English top-flight title in 44 years, back in 2012.
Roberto Mancini: Exclusive Interview
When asked if he would like to manage in the Premier League again, Mancini replied:
“Absolutely. Every league holds its own charm. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Premier League and the years I spent in the UK. Every coach aspires to manage in the Premier League. Additionally, I truly value the experiences I’ve gained in Turkey, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. It’s essential in today’s football landscape to learn from various cultures and mentalities and to integrate that knowledge to connect with diverse locker room dynamics.”
Mancini reflected on one of the most memorable moments in Premier League history — Sergio Agüero’s last-minute goal against QPR that secured the title. He considers Agüero’s signing from Atlético Madrid to be the best move of his career and believes his time at City laid the groundwork for Pep Guardiola’s subsequent success. Mancini stated:
“That moment was among the most beautiful and intense of my athletic career. The Premier League’s extraordinary intensity every week culminated in that title. We initiated a long-term vision that set the stage for ongoing successes, which have been greatly enhanced under Guardiola, ultimately leading to the 2023 Champions League title.”
After leading Italy to victory in the Euro 2021 final against England at Wembley, Mancini turned down several Premier League opportunities. Although he has previously managed Fiorentina, Lazio, and two stints at Inter Milan, he is not looking to return to Serie A for his next role. He confessed:
“I completely miss coaching. Serie A is my home league, but I aim to seek new experiences in different leagues. Serie A is undergoing a significant transformation regarding its mentality and structure. The era of owners investing in their clubs solely out of passion is ending. Football has become an international business, reflected in the ownership of Serie A teams. To achieve success, it is crucial for fans, media, and all stakeholders to adapt to this key shift.”
Mancini, who notably appointed Vincent Kompany as captain during his time at Man City, has watched the Belgian transition into management. Although there was some surprise when Kompany was appointed as Bayern Munich’s head coach last summer, he secured the Bundesliga title in his first season — a success Mancini anticipated. He remarked:
“When he played for me, he was still too young to consider a coaching career. However, his progress into management is no surprise; he was a natural leader on the pitch. I wish him continued success in Munich in such a prestigious environment.”