Pep Guardiola has reportedly turned down an instant return to management after leaving Manchester City this summer, turning down the opportunity to become Italy's head coach due to family reasons, according to the Press Association.
Guardiola declines Italy role
The former Manchester City manager, who left the club at the end of last season after winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League during a 10-year reign, was in talks with Italian officials. Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago confirmed earlier this week that talks had taken place with Guardiola.
Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy head coach in April after the four-time champions failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row. Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, and former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo are also candidates for the vacancy.
Budget exceptions considered
Malago said budget “exceptions” could be made in terms of salary for the 55-year-old Spaniard, who previously coached Barcelona and Bayern Munich. But he also warned “it is not certain that this thing will go through”. Asked if Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo were the only names on the shortlist, Malago replied: “Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.”
