“Dreaming about Pep is not a lack of respect”: when Conte
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Context
Pep Guardiola is widely recognized as one of the best coaches in the world, having won multiple titles at clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City. His possible signing by the Italian national team represents not only a strategic change, but also an attempt to revitalize the national team, which seeks to regain its prominent position in European and world football.
Why this matters
The possibility of Pep Guardiola taking over the Italian national team is a topic that generates great expectation among football fans. Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, emphasized that dreaming about Guardiola does not diminish the value of other candidates, such as Antonio Conte and Andrea Pirlo. The discussion about hiring a top coach reflects Italy's ambition to once again be a power in world football, especially after its success at Euro 2020.
Main conclusions
- “Dreaming about Pep is not a lack of respect”: when Conte.
- Malagò addressed his dream of seeing Pep Guardiola in the Italian national team and rejected the idea of disrespect for other coaches.
- Sognare Pep is not a mistake in risk. When Conte said: "I will arrest Guardiola."
The Pep Guardiola hypothesis for the Italian national team has once again gained traction, accompanied by a clear message: dreaming big is not synonymous with disrespect for other candidates. Giovanni Malagò, presented as president of the FIGC, publicly addressed contacts with the Spanish coach — described as the great dream of the Paolo Maldini-Leonardo duo for the Nazionale bench — and rejected the idea that, if negotiations do not progress, any other name would automatically end up being labeled as a lower-status solution.
Interestingly, one of the technicians appointed to the succession had also already sided with this “dream”. In one of his last conferences as coach of Napoli, Antonio Conte commented on the possibility of the federation going for Guardiola with a direct question: "Is the FIGC prepared to have a top coach? That implies honors and responsibilities: there is a statute." And he went even further, advising the hiring itself, as long as the means exist: “If there are funds to get Guardiola, I'm the first to say hire him”.
Conte's statement helps to frame what is at stake: in addition to the sporting impact, bringing Guardiola to a national team presupposes a significant investment and a structure worthy of one of the most influential coaches in modern football. At the same time, Malagò sought to dispel the narrative that failing to achieve this target would make any alternative an automatic “devaluation”, remembering that the selector's choice must balance ambition with feasibility.
Still, Conte's name remains in the list of possibilities and, in the eyes of part of the public opinion, would continue to represent a solid “drop point”, even when compared to Pep's media appeal. With successful spells in Italian and international football, Conte combines experience on big stages with a recognized game idea.
In parallel, the path of investing in an emerging project is gaining strength. Andrea Pirlo, referred to as the most real alternative at the moment, excites Maldini and Leonardo about the margin of growth and the symbolism that would lead to the Seleção bench. The choice, between a global target like Guardiola, the competitive authority of Conte and the vision of the future associated with Pirlo, mirrors the classic dilemma of federations: immediate results, structural impact or medium-term construction.
For now, Malagò is keen to refocus the debate: persecuting Guardiola does not discredit anyone. It does define a level of ambition. And, if the Spanish door does not open, Italy will continue to have profiles with CVs and ideas to lead the next stage of Nazionale.
What happens next
With the pressure to find a new selector, the FIGC must carefully evaluate the available options. Conte's statement suggests he is in favor of a bold approach, but also warns of the need for adequate resources to support a coach of Guardiola's caliber. The final choice will have a significant impact on the future of the Seleção and its ability to compete at a high level on the international stage.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Pep Guardiola and the Italian national team?
The hypothesis of Pep Guardiola coaching the Italian national team gained traction, with Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, confirming contacts with the coach.
Who confirmed the contacts with Pep Guardiola?
Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, was the one who confirmed contacts with Pep Guardiola.
Why is Pep Guardiola being talked about for the Italian national team now?
The discussion about Guardiola arises as part of a dream of the duo Paolo Maldini-Leonardo for the Nazionale bench.
What changes would the hiring of Guardiola imply?
Signing Guardiola would imply a significant investment and a
suitable for a top coach.
What is Antonio Conte's position on Guardiola?
Antonio Conte expressed support for the idea of Guardiola being hired, questioning whether the FIGC is ready for a top coach.