Pep Guardiola ‘in talks over shock international manager’s job after changing mind on taking charge of England’

PEP GUARDIOLA has held talks over potentially becoming the next Italy manager after a glittering ten-year stint at Manchester City. Guardiola, 55, announced his departure from City in May after winning every available honour, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cup trophies, five League Cups and the 2023 Champions League. Pep Guardiola held talks over becoming the next Italy manager after leaving Manchester City Credit: Getty Images – Getty Guardiola met Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo in Barcelona Credit: Getty Images – Getty The Spanish tactician insisted he wants to take a break and doesn’t plan to return to coaching any time soon as he fears he would quickly run out of energy. According to Sky in Italy, however, the Catalan great met Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo in Barcelona over the weekend. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The same report suggests discussions took place over a three-day period in which the Azzurri outlined their project to the former Bayern Munich manager. It is not yet known if Guardiola actually wants the job after just leaving Man City. However, Italy are making concrete attempts to bring the Barcelona legend in as the new national team boss. The Italians have also drawn out a shortlist of other candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso, who resigned in April after overseeing Italy‘s failure to make it to the World Cup for the third time in a row. The likes of Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini, who led his national team to Euro 2020 glory at Wembley, are also considered. This comes after it was revealed Guardiola verbally agreed to take over as England boss in Sir Gareth Southgate’s place back in 2024. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS However, the serial winner had a change of heart and signed a new deal with Man City. That led England to hiring Thomas Tuchel, who looks poised to remain and oversee the Three Lions’ bid to make Euro 2028, which is when his contract ends. Tuchel saw the national team crash out of the World Cup after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Argentina but led them to third place, which is their best finish since 1966 when they won the trophy. Guardiola has previously insisted he wants to take time off but talks with Italy suggest he may still be open for a new challenge. He recently said: “No plans for [coaching] for a while. Otherwise I would be here [at Man City]. I need to step back. I will not [coach] for a while. “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].” Comment now