According to reports, manager Josep Guardiola has refused to take up the position in Italy, telling Italian officials that he has no desire to do so. It is also understood that he still needs time away from the game and that his national team management remains uncertain, a major setback in England’s hopes of securing his availability.
The Catalan left Manchester City this summer after 10 years in charge. The 55-year-old had 12 months left on his contract with City but chose to end his 10-year spell in charge. He won the Premier League six times, the Champions League three times, the FA Cup three times and the Carabao Cup five times. Although they were unable to compete for the league title for the second consecutive season, they departed from the 2025-26 season with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in hand.
The Italian national team were keen to have Guardiola back in the dugout as soon as possible this summer. The Azzurri lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs, missing out on their third consecutive World Cup qualification.
However, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that he turned down their approach, saying, “Thank you, I’m honored, but I don’t feel it at the moment.”
According to reports, Guardiola’s decision was not a simple one and he thought it through carefully. Nevertheless, it is understood that logic ultimately wins over emotion.
Guardiola is also said to be seeking a break after a grueling spell at Bayern Munich and City since his sabbatical 13 years ago. The former Barcelona manager is also understood to have concerns about whether international football is suitable for him.
Italian football president Giovanni Malago similarly hinted at a financial gap in talks with Guardiola earlier this week. “It is no exaggeration to say that we have to take into account the economic aspects and we have to grit our teeth to do so,” he told Italian media.
“There are some exceptions made, for example with respect to Pep Guardiola, a name that is currently causing a lot of buzz. I don’t have to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he is an exception, but that doesn’t guarantee that this will pass.”
Given their long-standing interest in Guardiola, the English Football Association may be monitoring developments closely. Current Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel remains in office, with the FA expected to back him despite pressure to sack him after the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
However, there are suggestions that the team’s performance at the World Cup, where they ultimately finished third, could be thoroughly evaluated once the situation has subsided. England’s focus now shifts to Euro 2028, which they will co-host with Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
The Three Lions have reached the final of each of the last two European Championships and are desperately aiming to go all the way on home soil in two years’ time. It was previously reported that Guardiola had verbally agreed to take over as England manager following Gareth Southgate’s departure. However, the Catalan manager had a dramatic change of heart and opted to remain at City for a further two years.
