Guardiola declines Italy national team coaching role
Guardiola Opts for Break from Football
Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, has declined the opportunity to coach the Italy national side. This decision follows discussions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which had actively pursued Guardiola after his departure from Manchester City this summer. Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City spanned 10 years, during which he established the club as a significant force in Europe and influenced English football.
The FIGC had made a substantial effort to attract Guardiola, reportedly offering a significant salary and the flexibility to shape the role as he saw fit. Despite these efforts, Guardiola informed the FIGC of his intention to take a break from the game. His plan involves resting, spending more time with his family, and travelling.
FIGC’s Search for a New Coach
The FIGC’s search for a new national team coach began with their former player, Carlo Ancelotti, who currently manages Brazil. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed that Ancelotti was the initial target. Ancelotti, a 67-year-old coach, has an extensive record, having won league titles in Italy, England, France, Spain, and Germany. He is also the only coach to have won the Champions League five times. However, Ancelotti agreed to remain in his current position with Brazil, having signed a contract extension in May through to the 2030 World Cup.
The Italian national team is currently facing a challenging period, having failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time. This prompted the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and head coach Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso had taken over from Luciano Spalletti the previous June, following a defeat against Norway in an opening qualifier.
Maldini, alongside new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò and special advisor Leonardo, had been actively involved in the recruitment process. Maldini and Leonardo reportedly spent three days in Barcelona to speak with Guardiola about the Italy job. Maldini stated that the federation aimed to announce a new coach within the week, prioritising securing their preferred candidate.
Potential Candidates for the Italy Job
With Guardiola declining the offer and Ancelotti remaining with Brazil, the focus now shifts to other potential candidates. Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who is currently the head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is considered a frontrunner for the role. Pirlo helped Italy win the World Cup in 2006 as a player.
Other names reportedly in contention include former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Mancini led the Azzurri to victory in the European Championship in 2021. The new coach will be tasked with navigating Italy through an upcoming Nations League group that includes France, Belgium, and Turkey in the autumn, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for Euro 2028.
Guardiola, a 55-year-old coach, has a distinguished career, having won numerous major titles at clubs including Barcelona and Bayern Munich before his successful spell at Manchester City. His decision to take a break from football means the FIGC will continue its search for a new leader to guide the national team.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
