According to Sky in Italy, former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to become head coach of Italy.
On Thursday evening, Guardiola notified the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
His choice was based on non-football-related personal factors.
The FIGC met with Guardiola in an attempt to persuade him to take over as head coach of the national team in place of Gennaro Gattuso, and they were prepared to drastically alter their budget in order to do so.
Over the course of three days, Guardiola met with FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo to discuss their future plans for the national team.
During their conversations with the former Manchester City manager in Barcelona, Maldini and Leonardo came up with a plan that went beyond merely giving him a coaching position.
Guardiola would have played a key role in the FIGC’s “Azzurro project,” which sought to rebuild Italian football on strong foundations. Italy did not even make it to this summer’s expanded World Cup.
While Guardiola’s decision to decline the opportunity to coach Italy has surprised many, he may have his own reasons for choosing to stay with his current commitments. Personal considerations, strategic career plans, or a desire to focus on his existing team could all play a role in his decision.
Ultimately, only Guardiola knows what guided his choice, and fans will have to respect his reasons for passing up this prestigious opportunity.
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