Shock Pep Guardiola development that could impact Eddie Howe and Newcastle United
Pep Guardiola is currently the bookies’ favourite to succeed Thomas Tuchel as England manager.
The Italian FA have reportedly met with Pep Guardiola to become their new national team manager.
Italy have been without a permanent boss since Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after failing to ensure World Cup qualification. Gli Azzurri - the four-time champions - failed to reach the finals for the third consecutive tournament.
Silvio Baldini has taken on the role in a caretaker capacity as Italy considers their next step. Sky Sport Italy now claim officials have flown to Barcelona to convince Guardiola - who left Manchester City at the end of last season - with a job offer.
Newcastle United domino effect?
Speculation around Thomas Tuchel’s future has been rife since England capitulated to Argentina last week. While the Three Lions produced their best World Cup showing since 1966, the German was heavily criticised for his defensive tactics.
England dropped deep after taking a 55th-minute lead - allowing Argentina to come from behind to book a spot in Sunday’s final. A section of supporters booed Tuchel’s image on the big screen during the third-place play-off win over France.
With questions over his future, bookmakers price Guardiola as the favourite to succeed him as England manager. Eddie Howe - as the standout homegrown candidate - is next in line.
Newcastle United were forced to answer uneasy questions following Gareth Southgate’s resignation two years ago. The FA are set to review Tuchel’s performance and the World Cup overall now the tournament has ended.
Pep Guardiola shuts down talk
As quoted by IlNapolista over the weekend, Guardiola is in no mood to entertain a managerial return. The former Man City boss is relishing a hiatus from football - but that has not stopped Italy from making an approach.
"I don't feel like I'm missing anything mentally,” Guardiola said. "I started coaching when I was 37 and everything in my life has been connected to football. Now I want to discover life and be happy doing things that aren't related to football.
"I love my job, but there comes a moment when you feel you need to take a break. Maybe one day I'll wake up and say, 'Ok, I want to coach again’. I need to feel that I miss it, and right now I don't."