Guardiola Declines Italy? Insider Reveals: Manchester City Boss Decides to Take One-Year Break from Football
According to sources, after Italy failed to qualify for this summer's World Cup, the Italian Football Federation privately contacted Pep Guardiola to explore the possibility of him taking charge of the Azzurri. However, the conversation lasted only "sixty seconds" because Guardiola made it clear that after leaving Manchester City in May, he would take at least a one-year break and not return to football for the time being.
In the past few weeks, three other national team delegations also approached Guardiola's team, attempting to bring him into international football. However, each time the response was the same — the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is determined to take a year off. Nonetheless, some interested parties revealed that since there are no major continental tournaments next year, they are willing to patiently wait for Guardiola's subsequent decision.
The source did not disclose which specific countries contacted Guardiola, but it is believed the Netherlands was one of them — after Ronald Koeman left following their World Cup round-of-16 loss to Morocco. Additionally, England has also been frequently linked with Guardiola. Although England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals, the FA has publicly backed Thomas Tuchel, but Guardiola might consider the role in the future.
Italy's coaching search has stalled for multiple reasons. Former coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned after losing to Bosnia in the World Cup qualifier playoff in April. Before that, the Italian Football Federation needed to elect a new president, and eventually Giovanni Malago defeated Giancarlo Abete on June 22 to take office. Subsequently, former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini was appointed as the national team's technical director, and former Brazil international Leonardo also joined as a consultant to help identify a new head coach.
Besides Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo's name has also been linked to the role, but currently Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are seen as the top candidates. Italy has missed both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and after exiting in the group stage in 2010 and 2014, the four-time champions have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. In contrast, their performances in the European Championship have been more impressive, winning the title under Mancini in 2021. This article was co-written by multiple media reporters.