In a light-hearted and intriguing comment, Pep Guardiola recently said, “When I will be 72, I’ll coach in Italy and I’ll ask Roberto Baggio to be my assistant.” Though said in jest, this remark stirred excitement among fans of both Guardiola and Italian football, sparking speculation about what such a pairing might look like.
Pep Guardiola, known for his tactical brilliance and philosophy-driven football, has long admired the Italian game. Having played in Serie A during his career — for Brescia and Roma — Guardiola has a deep appreciation for Italy’s football culture. His reference to coaching in Italy “at 72” is clearly humorous, but it hints at an unfulfilled desire to someday experience managing in Serie A. He has conquered Spain, Germany, and England with remarkable success, and Italy remains one of the last major footballing nations he hasn’t coached in.
The mention of Roberto Baggio adds another layer of charm to the quote. Baggio, the iconic Italian No. 10, is revered not only for his talent and elegance on the ball but also for his humility and spirituality. Though Baggio has kept a relatively low profile since retiring in 2004, he remains one of the most beloved figures in Italian football history. Guardiola, a midfield maestro himself during his playing days, has often expressed admiration for players who embody both artistry and intelligence — qualities that Baggio epitomized.
The idea of Guardiola and Baggio working together is fascinating. While Guardiola is intensely focused on tactics, systems, and control, Baggio was a player known for his instinct, improvisation, and flair. Their partnership could, in theory, blend the precision of Guardiola’s style with the emotional and creative edge of Italian football tradition. It would also symbolically bridge eras and philosophies — a modern football visionary and a romantic icon of the past.
Of course, it remains unlikely that such a scenario will materialize. Guardiola may never coach into his seventies, and Baggio has shown little interest in coaching roles. However, the quote is meaningful as it reflects Guardiola’s respect for Italy and its football legends. Whether serious or playful, the comment gives fans a moment to imagine a footballing dream team, blending tactical genius and poetic talent on the tou
chline.
