The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has engaged in discussions with Pep Guardiola regarding the head coach position for the national team. These talks follow Gennaro Gattuso’s departure from the role in April, after Italy did not qualify for the recent World Cup tournament held in North America. Guardiola recently concluded a decade-long tenure with Manchester City, making him available for a new role.
According to reports, Paolo Maldini, the new technical director of the FIGC, and his advisor, Leonardo, travelled to Barcelona to meet with Guardiola. Their discussions spanned three days, during which they presented their vision for the Italian national team. The FIGC’s outreach to Guardiola is part of a significant restructuring within Italian football, initiated after the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Guardiola, who is now a free agent, spent a decade with Manchester City, during which the club secured 20 trophies. His time at City marked the club’s most successful period, including winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble in the 2022-23 season. His coaching style, characterized by a possession-based approach, influenced English football broadly.
Despite the FIGC’s efforts, reports suggest that Guardiola’s initial conversation about the role was brief, lasting approximately one minute. He has expressed an intention to take a break from football after leaving Manchester City. Guardiola previously indicated a desire to spend more time with his family, stating he would not have the energy for immediate coaching commitments.
In interviews, Guardiola has mentioned that he would be interested in international management as a different challenge compared to club football. He noted that he would not have the energy to move to another country to perform the same type of club management role he had at Manchester City. He suggested that a national team role could be a suitable alternative.
The Italian national team has a storied history, including four World Cup titles, but has recently struggled, failing to qualify for the last two tournaments. The manager position is currently vacant. Other candidates reportedly being considered for the role include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.
Guardiola’s decision to leave Manchester City was influenced by a desire to step back from the daily demands of club management. He had previously stated that he would take a break from football after his time at City concluded, citing a need to recharge and spend time with loved ones. He also mentioned wanting to pursue personal interests that he had not been able to do while coaching.
The prospect of international management could offer Guardiola a different work-life balance, allowing him to engage with the sport without the constant day-to-day involvement of club football. This type of role could appeal to him as it would provide a new challenge in a different environment. Guardiola has also reportedly been contacted by three other national teams regarding coaching opportunities.
The FIGC’s pursuit of Guardiola highlights their ambition to revitalize the national team after a period of underperformance on the international stage. The federation’s new technical director and his advisor are actively working to secure a high-profile coach to lead Italy forward. The Italian national team has not qualified for the last three major tournaments since winning the European Championships in 2021.
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Source: skysports.com
