Pep Guardiola takes a Jürgen Klopp

Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to coach Italy’s men’s national team. – he prioritizes taking a break, just like coaching legend before him, Zinedine Zidane after Real Madrid exit and Jürgen Klopp after Liverpool

Earlier this week, Italy’s football president Giovanni Malagò confirmed that talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City in May after ten years at the club. He also opened up for “exceptions” to be made for the Spaniard’s salary.

After almost two decades as a manager, it was time for a break

When Jürgen Klopp left Liverpool over two years ago, the break was the most important thing, only now was he ready to take over anything, and when Germany was without it, Julian Nagelsmann explained his genius, he decided.

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On Thursday, a new development came. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that Italy had first contacted their former star player Carlo Ancelotti – who is now in charge of Brazil. Ancelotti has agreed to stay in the job. Thus, the door was opened for Guardiola – but he also declined.

Guardiola has informed the federation that he still plans to take a break from football. A break that will give him time to rest, spend more time with his family and travel.

Big offer – but no thanks

According to reports, Italy have offered Guardiola a huge salary package, while in practice giving him free rein to shape the job exactly as he wanted. All to lure one of the most winning coaches of all time to take over a team that has missed three World Cup finals in a row.

But after considering the situation carefully, he chose to say no.

Pirlo new hot candidate

Now, Andrea Pirlo – former Italian playmaker and now head coach of United FC in Dubai – is the leading candidate to lead Italy through a tough Nations League group with France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn, and then try to qualify for the Euro 2028.

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Here is the table translated into Norwegian, with a neat layout:

Note: For Barcelona B, there are no registered games in the table, therefore there is a line (–). The point average is stated as 0.00.