Guardiola rejects offer to manage Italy after FIGC approach | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to manage Italy, an approach led by Paolo Maldini at the Italian Football Federation. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, he rejected the proposal.

He told federation officials on Thursday night that he was grateful for the offer but did not feel able to accept it at present.

The Catalan considered the proposal for several days, presented by Maldini and Leonardo, but chose to stick with his plan to take a temporary break from management after ending a 10-year spell at Manchester City.

The report cited a wish to prioritise his personal life and family, and doubts about the national team role without daily contact with players.

Financial terms were not discussed, and he delivered his decision directly to Maldini.

Italy have been without a coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after failing to qualify for the World Cup. Andrea Pirlo is viewed as the leading candidate in the FIGC’s long-term plan, with a possible Roberto Mancini return or the option of Antonio Conte.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo