Maldini: Italy Was Close to Appointing Guardiola as Head Coach

Paolo Maldini has revealed that the Italian national team came extremely close to appointing Pep Guardiola as head coach. In an interview with Corriere, Maldini disclosed that Guardiola had agreed to accept the same salary as the previous coach and had already begun considering potential players and lineups before ultimately rejecting the offer.

Close to a Deal

Maldini, a legendary figure in Italian football, explained that negotiations had progressed significantly. Guardiola, who is widely regarded as one of the world's top managers, had shown initial willingness to take on the role. According to Maldini, Guardiola was prepared to match the financial terms of his predecessor and had started planning for the squad, indicating a serious commitment to the project.

Guardiola's Change of Heart

However, after a few days, Guardiola decided to decline the position. Maldini cited fatigue and a desire to spend more time with his family as the reasons behind the decision. "We respect that," Maldini said, emphasizing that the Italian federation understood and accepted Guardiola's personal priorities.

The revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure a high-profile coach for the Azzurri. While the identity of the previous coach was not specified, the context suggests the discussions took place during a period of transition for the national team.

Guardiola, currently managing Manchester City, has long been linked with international roles, but this is one of the few public confirmations of a concrete approach. Italy ultimately appointed a different coach, and the team has continued under new leadership.