Former Man City boss Pep Guardiola had been in talks to take over the Italian national team
Italian football chiefs Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have reportedly resigned from their roles as technical director and advisor in the country’s Football Federation. It’s a surprise U-turn from the AC Milan legend Maldini, who has spent just ten days in the role.
Maldini had been keen on appointing former AC Milan teammate Andrea Pirlo as head coach of the Italian national team, a week on from talks with Manchester City icon Pep Guardiola.
The former City boss had been in talks to take over the struggling European nation, who did not qualify for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
After being turned down by Guardiola, Maldini focused on Pirlo, but Italian football president Giovanni Malago reportedly did not want to appoint the former midfielder due to his ties to Russian betting brands.
Maldini and Leonardo are said to have left their position with immediate effect, having spent just over a week in the role.
FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page
It’s yet another blow for Italian football having been turned down by Guardiola last week. The former City manager is said to have told the Italian Football Federation: “Thank you, I’m honoured, but at this moment, I don’t feel it.”
It’s unclear what lies ahead for the legendary City boss, having already had a sabbatical from football after leaving Barcelona earlier in his managerial career.
It was claimed that Guardiola, who reportedly agreed a deal with the English FA to take control of the Three Lions in 2024 before changing his mind, asked for £17m a-year in salary demands.
The Catalan manager currently retains a position within City Football Group in an advisory capacity for clubs including Palermo, Lommel and Troyes.
The Manchester Evening News understands that the role prevents him from accepting another managerial post, though it is thought City’s ownership would be unlikely to block his path if he wished to do so.
Speaking earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago hinted at a financial disparity in talks with Guardiola. “There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it’s an understatement to say we’d have to grit our teeth for this,” he said in an interview with the Italian media.
“Some exceptions have been made, for example, exceptions that regard the name making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola.
“I don’t need to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he’d be an exception, but that is also no guarantee that this will go through.”
Thousands of Man City fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
Official premium experiences at the Etihad are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login