Italy were considering appointing Josep Guardiola as their new manager following their disastrous defeat in their bid to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.
Pep Guardiola turned down Italy job (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
According to reports, manager Josep Guardiola has refused to take up the role in Italy, telling the leaders that he is “not in the mood”. It was also claimed that he still needs rest and is unsure about his international management, dealing a blow to England’s prospects for his appointment.
The Catalan left Manchester City this summer after 10 years in charge. The 55-year-old still had one year left on his contract with City, but decided to call it quits after 10 years.
They won the Premier League six times, the Champions League, the FA Cup three times and the Carabao Cup five times. They failed to win the league for the second year in a row, but were eliminated in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
And the Italian national team was hoping to persuade Guardiola to return as manager quickly this summer. The Azzurri lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs, missing out on their third consecutive World Cup appearance.
However, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that he declined the offer, saying: “Thank you, it would be an honor, but I don’t feel like it at the moment.”
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The report claims Guardiola’s decision was not an easy one, but one that was well thought out. However, it is also said that reason prevailed over emotion.
Guardiola is also reported to be looking for a break following intense spells with Bayern Munich and City since his sabbatical 13 years ago. The former Barcelona manager is also said to have doubts about whether international football is suitable for him.
Pep Guardiola has been out of work since leaving Man City at the end of last season (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Italian football president Giovanni Malago also hinted at the financial disparity in a meeting 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 said in an interview with 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.”
The English FA may have a long-term interest in Guardiola and may be monitoring the situation closely. Current Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel is still in office, and the FA is expected to support his sacking despite calls for his sacking following the team’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
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However, there are reports that the team’s performance at the World Cup, where they ultimately finished third, will be reconsidered once the dust settles.
England’s attention now turns to Euro 2028, which they will co-host with Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. The Three Lions have reached the finals of the last two European Championships and are aiming to go one step further in two years’ time.
It was previously reported that Guardiola had verbally agreed to become England manager following Gareth Southgate’s decision to resign. However, the Catalan manager had a dramatic change of heart and decided to remain at City for a further two years.
