Pep Guardiola Turns Down Opportunity to Manage Italy’s National Team

• Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rejected his first opportunity to manage a national team.

• The Catalan coach exited the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season after 10 years at the club.

• The 55-year-old insisted he would take an extended break away from the intensity of coaching within the game.

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rejected his first opportunity to return to the dugout after leaving the Etihad Stadium.

Having spent 10 years at the Etihad Stadium off the back of hugely successful spells at FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the Catalan tactician secured a remarkable 20 trophies whilst managing Manchester City.

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But having completed a decade in the Premier League, the 55-year-old felt it was personally the right time for a fresh start at the club, as well as for himself and his family, departing his position at the end of the 2025/26 season with a year remaining on his contract.

That exit and availability sparked rumours of where he could land next, despite insisting in various interviews of a desire to spend time away from football and particularly the coaching element of the sport.

Italy’s Attempts to Lure Guardiola into New Era

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) wasted no time in making their approach, meeting with Guardiola in an attempt to convince him to succeed Gennaro Gattuso as head coach, showing a willingness to make an exceptional adjustment to their budget as part of that process.

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FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo met with Guardiola over the course of a three-day period in Barcelona, explaining their project for the national team, as well as an idea beyond simply a coaching role and instead aiming to rebuild Italian football.

Pep Guardiola Rejects Italian National Team Role

Now, as reported by Sky in Italy among others, Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to take the Italy head coach job through a response to the FIGC on Thursday night.

It is claimed that the Manchester City icon’s decision was down to ‘personal reasons’ that go beyond football.

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What Has Guardiola Already Said About Life Beyond City?

Speaking towards the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola told reporters, “No plans for [coaching] for a while. Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back. I will not [coach] for a while.”

Addressing his final press conference, he continued, “I feel I will not have the energy every day, with expectations to fight for the title. I know myself, I have that energy, but I feel like I will not have it [in the future].”

“If they need me, I will be there” – Pep Guardiola makes Man City return promise as ambassador role begins

For now, Guardiola appears to be entirely focused on rebuilding his own energy and spending increased time with family and friends in Barcelona, whilst also attending numerous public appearances at various events across the globe.

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Having taken part in charity football tournaments and a golf competition earlier this summer, Pep Guardiola was also spotted at the FIFA World Cup in North America, watching Scotland’s group stage clash with Morocco in Foxborough in mid-June.