Pep Guardiola has moved to quash speculation linking him with the vacant Italy national team job, confirming he plans to step away from football after ending his tenure at Manchester City.
"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."
Guardiola's sabbatical confirmed
The Spanish coach, who left City at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, revealed he feels no urgency to return to the dugout. Despite persistent reports linking him with the Azzurri, Guardiola made clear that his immediate priority is a prolonged break from the game.
"I love my job, but there comes a moment when you feel you need to take a break," he added, via IlNapolista. "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 miss it."
What next for Guardiola?
Guardiola's decision to take a sabbatical mirrors similar breaks taken by other elite managers after long, trophy-laden spells. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, 55, has spent nearly two decades in management, claiming multiple domestic and European honours.
For now, the Italy job—and any other coaching role—will have to wait. Guardiola stressed that any future return would only happen if he rediscovers the same hunger that drove his historic stints in Spain, Germany, and England.
His comments effectively end any immediate prospect of succeeding Luciano Spalletti after the Azzurri's disappointing World Cup exit, leaving the Italian federation to explore other candidates.
