Guardiola shuts down Italy rumours: ‘I need a break’

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Jul 17, 2026 7:00 AM ET

Pep Guardiola has played down speculation linking him with the Italy national team, insisting he has no immediate plans to return to coaching after leaving Manchester City.

The Spanish tactician explained that, after nearly two decades in management, he feels the time has come to step away from football and focus on other aspects of his life.

“I don’t feel like I’m missing anything mentally,” Guardiola said, with quotes via IlNapolista.

“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.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Guardiola says he wants to spend more time with his family amid Italy links

“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.”

Guardiola added that his priority is to spend more time with his family, particularly his children and his 95-year-old father.

“I’m trying to understand what my life will be like,” he continued. “I decided to stop because I want to take better care of myself. I want to spend more time with my children and with my father, who is 95 and is still here. I’m 56 now, I’m not young anymore, so your perspective changes. I’m still adjusting to this new chapter, but it’s going quite well.”

His comments appear to rule him out of contention for the Azzurri job in the immediate future.