Maldini: ‘Economic aspect not relevant for Guardiola’ after €20m salary report

Paolo Maldini denies reports Pep Guardiola asked for a €20m salary to become coach of Italy. ‘The economic aspect is in no way relevant for Pep.’

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

New technical director Maldini, special advisor Leonardo, and FIGC President Giovanni Malagò held a press conference today after meeting with the Lega Serie A, the consortium of 20 top flight clubs.

It was a small room with no air conditioning, so they continued speaking to the media after leaving the event space.

Maldini clarifies Guardiola demands

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester City at Turf Moor on April 22, 2026 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

There had been reports today that Guardiola had requested a €20m salary to take the job of leading the Nazionale, but Maldini rejected the idea outright.

“The economic aspect is in no way relevant for Pep.”

Fresh off a decade in charge of Manchester City, Guardiola had been looking forward to some time off with his family to decompress.

The idea of taking over the Nazionale after three consecutive World Cup editions missed is intriguing, and he is taking his time before giving a firm answer.

Sky Sport Italia too reported today that the financial details of the contract are not the issue holding up the negotiations, but rather the Spaniard wants to be sure before taking on such a big project.