Guardiola rejects Italy job

Pep Guardiola has rejected the chance to become the next head coach of Italy, with the decision reportedly driven by personal reasons rather than financial considerations

The highly successful manager is taking time away from coaching and is currently focused on his family, while waiting for the right opportunity to return to the dugout.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X was quoted as saying, “Pep Guardiola said no to Italy due to a personal decision, it’s not about a financial proposal. Guardiola will be back coaching at the right time and when he feels a new project is the best one possible; now dedicating time to family.”

The Spaniard has built one of the most impressive coaching careers in football history, winning major trophies with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City. His achievements include multiple domestic league titles and UEFA Champions League triumphs.

Italy had been interested in bringing Guardiola in as the man to lead the national team, but the former Barcelona and Manchester City boss decided against the move at this stage. Despite turning down the opportunity, Guardiola remains one of the most sought-after managers in world football, and his return to coaching is expected to attract significant attention whenever he decides the time is right.

For now, the 55-year-old is choosing to step away from the pressure of management and dedicate more time to his family before considering his next chapter. It was that Guardiola had held talks with the Italian Football Federation over the possibility of becoming the next head coach of the Italy national team, federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed.