He has previously said he wants to manage a national team one day, and reportedly verbally agreed to become Sir Gareth Southgate’s replacement as England boss, only to change his mind. However, Guardiola may be on the verge of taking over one of the biggest jobs in international football. It’s a move which would be a return of sorts for the ex-Barcelona boss, after he spent two years in Italy as a player for Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003.
The Italian Football Federation’s recently appointed technical director and AC Milan great Paolo Maldini reportedly flew to Barcelona to hold talks with Guardiola. He was also joined by special advisor to the IFF Leonardo, who also spoke with Guardiola.
The six-time Premier League winner may no longer be in the dugout for the Cityzens, but he is still part of the City Football Group. After his exit, he was appointed into an advisory position, where he can lend his expertise on other City Football Group clubs Palermo, Lommel and Troyes.
When Guardiola was previously linked with the England job following his departure from City, it was understood that his path to any such vacancy would not be entirely straightforward. The Manchester Evening News report that this position bars him from taking on another coaching role, though it is thought that City’s ownership would be unlikely to block his path.
When his new role at City was confirmed, club CEO Ferran Soriano said: “As we celebrate the past, we are also very happy to know that Pep will stay with the group. We will be able to use his knowledge and experience in so many of our other clubs to help managers and players. We will forever be grateful to Pep and cherish so many unforgettable memories. He is a City legend… forever.”
Italy failed to secure qualification for the World Cup despite the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. Gennaro Gattuso departed in April following the Azzurri’s unsuccessful World Cup play-off encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gattuso’s departure formed part of a wider restructure that also witnessed Gabriele Gravina step down as the nation’s football federation president and goalkeeping icon Gianluigi Buffon relinquish his role as the national side’s delegation head. Ex-City manager Roberto Mancini has also been linked with a return to the position, five years after winning Euro 2020 with the four-time World Cup winners.
Guardiola experienced Italian football during his playing days, featuring for Roma in a spell between two periods with Brescia. He accumulated only 29 appearances across three campaigns, though.
Calls have also emerged for Guardiola to assume control of Brazil following their World Cup elimination at the round of 16 phase. Carlo Ancelotti’s team were beaten by Erling Haaland’s Norway.