Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis to remain in charge despite exit reports

Georgios Donis will continue as Saudi Arabia manager, according to his agent Shukri Shukrani, who has rejected reports that the Greek coach could leave before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Reports had suggested that Roberto Martinez, the former Portugal manager, was being considered as Donis’ replacement. But Shukrani told Saudi channel Al Arabiya: “The coach and his technical staff are happy and ambitious, and are fully focused on their work with the Saudi national team.”

He added: “There is a wonderful atmosphere within the group, with enthusiasm and commitment to achieving the desired objectives. That is the focus of the coach and his staff.”

Shukrani’s comments followed Donis’ own denial after Saudi Arabia’s 3-2 friendly victory over South Korea at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Friday.

“You know that I am a frank person and that I convey many messages,” Donis said. “I feel that I am part of Saudi Arabia. I am not just an ordinary coach, even when I was managing clubs here.”

He said the postponement of the Asian Cup had contributed to the speculation surrounding his position.

“After the Asian Cup was postponed, I told my staff that our contract would end before the tournament’s new date,” Donis added. “Then some big-name coaches were mentioned. These rumours are completely unhelpful.”

He continued: “Even after I returned from Jeddah, a Greek friend in NEOM told me about reports that I would be dismissed after the Gulf Cup. Yet here I am today, still with the national team.”

“Rumours do not affect me personally, but they harm the dressing room. Those around us understand the scale of our work, and what is being reported is unfair to us.”

Donis said Saudi Arabia needed a long-term plan for its emerging players, adding: “Even if I am not the manager leading this national team, I will always remain the Green Falcons’ biggest supporter.”

He also outlined his immediate plans: “The technical programme I presented covers the period up to the March international break, when we will play friendly matches. After that, we will begin preparations for our participation in CONCACAF.”

Donis had also dismissed speculation before the South Korea match, telling Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah on Wednesday: “I am not concerned by the rumours that appear from time to time about my professional future with the Saudi national team.”

“What matters to me now is developing the Green Falcons and focusing on the work,” he said. “I have the experience to deal with what is being said about my professional future, and I will give my best to serve Saudi football.”

Donis took charge in April, succeeding Frenchman Herve Renard two months before the 2026 World Cup. Saudi Arabia were eliminated in the group stage after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and 0-0 with Cape Verde, before losing 4-0 to Spain and finishing bottom of Group H with two points.

Despite that campaign, Donis led Saudi Arabia to their first trophy in 23 years by winning the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, Gulf 27, in October. They won four of five matches and prevailed on penalties in the other, scoring eight goals without conceding.

Overall, Saudi Arabia have played 12 official and friendly matches under Donis, recording six wins, four draws and two defeats. They have scored 16 goals and conceded nine.