Paolo Maldini, the former Technical Director of the Italian Football Federation, has revealed the behind-the-scenes details of his negotiations with Pep Guardiola to take charge of the Italy national team. Maldini confirmed that the Spanish manager was highly receptive to the project and that financial terms were never an obstacle to the agreement.
The AC Milan legend also opened up about the reasons for his swift departure alongside Leonardo, directing sharp criticism at Giovanni Malagò, the President of the Italian Federation, for backtracking on the authority promised to them when they took the job.
Why Did Guardiola Reject Coaching Italy?
Maldini confirmed that Guardiola was very close to accepting the offer during their meeting in Barcelona. “He was excited and started writing down a national team lineup on paper,” Maldini stated. Regarding the Spanish coach’s salary, Maldini added: “Guardiola told us: ‘Give me one euro less than the previous coach’,” making it clear that money was never the real issue during the negotiations.
According to Maldini, Guardiola ultimately apologized and declined after realizing he needed a break from the immense pressure following ten exhausting seasons with Manchester City, coupled with physical struggles. “He realized he was exhausted after his back surgery,” Maldini explained.
Maldini also disclosed that he had reached out to Carlo Ancelotti before approaching Guardiola, stating: “It was only right to start with the best in the world.” However, the Italian manager’s commitments with the Brazil national team closed the door on that deal.
Why Did Maldini Resign from the Italian Federation?
Maldini explained that his agreement to become the Technical Director and head of “Club Italia” was strictly based on him and Leonardo having the absolute authority to choose the national team manager. Recalling his initial conversation with the Federation President, Maldini said: “I asked Malagò: ‘Who chooses the coach?’ He replied: ‘You two choose him, and I approve’.”
After failing to secure Ancelotti or Guardiola, Maldini and Leonardo settled on Andrea Pirlo. However, Malagò blocked the deal due to controversies surrounding Pirlo’s collaboration with a Russian betting company and the political pressure that accompanied his nomination.
Maldini considered the rejection of his choice as a clear breach of the agreement that initially convinced him to accept the role. Consequently, he and Leonardo decided against signing the four-year contract, which was supposed to commence on August 1st.
Maldini Blasts Malagò
Maldini held the Federation President entirely responsible for the project’s collapse, asserting that the powers initially granted to him were stripped away as soon as the first crucial decision had to be made.
“That was the agreement, and then things changed,” the Milan icon emphasized, adding that he could not continue once the selection of the coach became subject to calculations entirely detached from his technical vision.
Maldini also criticized the strict constraints Malagò imposed on the shortlist. The President informed him that they could not hire any coach currently employed in Serie A, which immediately ruled out candidates like Daniele De Rossi and Fabio Grosso. The final objection to Pirlo ultimately marked the bitter end of Maldini’s brief stint within the Federation.
