Pep Guardiola is considering a move into international management, with the Italy national team among potential destinations, according to comments made by former Spain manager Luis Enrique. Guardiola is expected to depart Manchester City at the end of the current season after a decade with the club, and Enrique suggested his fellow Spaniard has a strong desire to manage a national side.
Speaking to Movistar, Enrique revealed Guardiola frequently asked him questions about the role of a national team manager during his own time in the position. While Enrique doesn’t believe Guardiola will immediately take the Italy job, he did not rule it out entirely. The Italian Football Federation is currently without a permanent manager, following the departure of Luciano Spalletti earlier this year.
Alongside the possibility of managing Italy, Guardiola is also attracting significant interest from the Middle East. Spanish publication Sport reports that Saudi Arabia has made a substantial offer, reportedly between €80-90 million per year in salary and bonuses, to appoint Guardiola as the manager of their national team. The United Arab Emirates and Morocco are also said to be considering approaches.
Domestically, both Milan and Juventus have been mentioned as potential suitors, though Guardiola is leaning towards taking a year-long sabbatical to assess his options. He recently concluded his final season at Manchester City with an FA Cup victory over Chelsea, but ultimately saw Arsenal claim the Premier League title. His time at City has been hugely successful, delivering five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy.
Guardiola’s potential move to a national team would represent a significant shift in his managerial career, which has been largely focused on club football. Should he opt for a sabbatical, it remains to be seen what opportunities will be available when he returns to the touchline, but his reputation ensures he will be a highly sought-after figure.
