Georgios Donis’ Saudi Arabia plans backed by agent amid fresh speculation

Shukri Shokrani, the agent of Saudi Arabia manager Georgios Donis, has rejected reports that the Greek coach is set to leave his post before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Reports had suggested Donis could be replaced, with former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez mentioned as a possible successor. But Shokrani told Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya that Donis and his staff remained fully committed to the national team.

“The manager and his technical staff are happy and ambitious, and are completely focused on their work with the Saudi national team,” Shokrani said.

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

His comments followed Donis’ own denial after Saudi Arabia’s 3-2 friendly win 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, not just an ordinary coach, even when I was managing clubs here.”

Donis said his contract had originally been due to expire before the rescheduled Asian Cup, after the tournament was postponed, but insisted reports about potential replacements were unhelpful.

“After the Asian Cup was postponed, I told my staff that our contract ended before the new date of the tournament. Then some big-name managers were mentioned, and these rumours are completely unhelpful,” he added.

“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, still with the national team.”

Donis said the speculation did not affect him personally but could damage the squad, adding that those around the team understood the scale of its work and that the reports were unfair.

He also said Saudi Arabia needed a clear long-term strategy for its emerging generation of players, adding: “Even if I am not the manager leading this national team, I will always be the Green Falcons’ biggest supporter.”

Donis said the technical programme he had submitted covered the period until the international break in March, when friendlies are planned, before preparations begin for Saudi Arabia’s participation in CONCACAF competition.

It was not the first time Donis had dismissed claims about his future. Speaking to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah on Wednesday, he said rumours about his position did not concern him and that his priority was developing the Green Falcons.

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

He later led Saudi Arabia to their first Gulf Cup title in 23 years at Gulf Cup 27 in October. They won four of five matches, won the other on penalties, scored eight goals and conceded none.

Overall, Saudi Arabia have recorded six wins, four draws and two defeats in 12 matches under Donis, scoring 16 goals and conceding nine.