Netherlands also explored move for Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City has sparked renewed attention around his future, and not only because of club football. According to the source material, the Spain coach was wanted by Italy, and the Netherlands also considered a move for him.

International interest in Guardiola

The source states that Guardiola left Manchester City after 10 years, a development that immediately made him a subject of interest beyond the club game. Italy had already been mentioned in that context, with Paolo Maldini said to have revealed that the Italian national team wanted to appoint him.

Now, the same source says the Netherlands had a similar idea. Nigel de Jong reportedly indicated that the Dutch also explored the possibility of bringing Guardiola into the international set-up.

Why the story matters

Even in a brief update, the significance is clear. Guardiola remains one of the most prominent coaches in world football, so any indication that major national teams were interested in him is notable. The fact that both Italy and the Netherlands are mentioned underlines the level of attention surrounding his next step after leaving Manchester City.

What is also striking is that the interest came from national associations rather than only clubs. That points to Guardiola’s standing across the game and to the appeal of a coach with elite-level experience being linked to the international arena.

What is confirmed from the source

• Pep Guardiola left Manchester City after 10 years.
• Italy wanted to hire him, according to information attributed to Paolo Maldini.
• The Netherlands also had a similar plan, according to information attributed to Nigel de Jong.

Beyond that, the source material does not provide further detail on how advanced either approach became or what Guardiola’s own position was. Still, the update adds another high-profile national team to the list of those linked with the Spaniard and reinforces the scale of interest in him following his Manchester City departure.