By SCM Sports Writer
PEP GUARDIOLA has opened the door to becoming the next manager of Italy, according to reports.
The Manchester City mastermind is reportedly ready to trade the rain of Manchester for the Mediterranean as he weighs up his next move.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Spaniard is “open” to taking the reins of the Azzurri, sending shockwaves through the Premier League.
Guardiola has never hidden his affection for the Bel Paese. Having played for Brescia and Roma during his playing days, Pep maintains a deep emotional tie to the country and is fluent in the language.
Insiders suggest that after years of the grueling “treadmill” of club football, the slower pace of the international stage is weighing heavily on his mind. Italy’s footballing federation reportedly feels it is their “duty” to try and lure the world’s best coach to Rome.
Former Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci, now a member of the national team staff, hasn’t hidden his excitement.
”If there’s a real desire to start over, I would start with Guardiola,” Bonucci admitted. “I think it’s very difficult, but dreaming doesn’t cost anything.”
While City fans will be sweating over the future of the man who brought them the Treble, the Etihad board isn’t sitting idly by.
If Pep decides to walk, City have already identified their “Chosen One.” Enzo Maresca has emerged as the top candidate to fill the biggest shoes in football.
The Link: Maresca is a former Guardiola disciple, having served as his assistant at City before finding success elsewhere.
The Status: Reports from The Guardian suggest that “initial talks” have already taken place to ensure a smooth transition if the Catalan king’s current contract has long been the subject of intense speculation. Since joining City in 2016, he has transformed the club into a global powerhouse, winning multiple Premier League titles and the elusive Champions League.
However, Pep has often hinted that he won’t stay forever, previously mentioning a desire to coach a national team in a major tournament like the World Cup or the Euros. With Italy desperate to return to their former glory after missing out on recent World Cup stages, the timing for a “Pep-overhaul” might be perfect.
Losing Pep would be a disaster for the Prem, but you can’t blame a man for wanting a bit of sunshine and a world-class carbonara.
If Maresca is the man to keep the Blue Moon rising, City fans better start brushing up on their own Italian.
