Italy: Paolo Maldini makes a revelation about Pep Guardiola

One thing's for sure: Pep Guardiola seriously considered taking the helm of the Italian national team just a few days ago.

In recent hours, Paolo Maldini revealed to Corriere della Sera that the Italian Football Federation held talks with the former Manchester City manager in Barcelona, aiming to offer him the position of head coach. The Spanish tactician was interested and had even begun thinking about his preferred lineups and the players he wanted to use.

Salary wasn’t a stumbling block either, as Guardiola was ready to earn slightly less than his predecessor. However, Pep Guardiola ultimately declined the offer for personal reasons.

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Indeed, after ten grueling years in the Premier League and undergoing back surgery, the Spaniard wanted to rest and spend more time with his family. “He almost accepted,” Maldini revealed, noting that the talks were advanced enough that both parties were already scouting Italian players, down to the youth categories.

Roberto Mancini eventually took the job.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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