Family First: Guardiola Refuses to Coach Italy

July 24, 2026 - 17:31 | Last updated July 24, 2026 - 17:31

Follow Okaz channel on WhatsApp

Mohammed Juma

Former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola rejected an offer to coach the Italian national team, succeeding Gennaro Gattuso, who left after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The famous Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano explained via his account on the X platform that Guardiola refused to coach Italy for personal reasons, not financial ones, as the Spanish coach is currently dedicating his time to his family, and will return to coaching when the time is right and with a project that matches his ambitions.

Legendary career with City

Pep Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season 2025-2026, bringing down the curtain on a legendary career during which he led the team to 20 titles, becoming the best coach in the English club's history.

Historic tribute

Manchester City decided to name the newly developed and expanded north stand at the Etihad Stadium after Pep Guardiola, in addition to commissioning an artist to make a statue of the legendary coach, to be displayed on the road leading to the Pep Guardiola Stand.