Guardiola and Ancelotti Turn Down Italy Job; Marink Reedijk Emerges as Royal Antwerp Candidate

Major managerial developments in European football have emerged from the Netherlands, where De Telegraaf’s live transfer blog reports that two of the world’s most decorated coaches, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, have each declined the opportunity to take over the Italian national team. Separately, Dutch coach Marink Reedijk is being mentioned as a candidate for the vacant position at Royal Antwerp.

These updates, published on 24 July 2026, are based on information from the Dutch newspaper’s transfer coverage. While the full article is not yet available, the headline signals a significant shift in the coaching landscape.

Guardiola and Ancelotti decline Italy

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been searching for a new head coach after the departure of Luciano Spalletti, who led Italy to the 2024 European Championship but left the role earlier this year. According to De Telegraaf, both Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti were approached for the position but have turned it down.

Guardiola, currently at Manchester City, has a contract that runs until 2027. He has repeatedly stated his commitment to the Premier League club. Ancelotti, who recently returned to Real Madrid, is under contract until 2026. Both managers have extensive experience in international football, but neither has taken on a national team job since their respective spells with Spain and Italy – Guardiola has never coached a national team, while Ancelotti briefly managed Italy in the early 1990s.

The reasons for their rejections are not specified in the headline. It is possible that contractual obligations, personal preferences, or the timing of the vacancy played a role. The Italian national team is expected to begin its qualification campaign for the 2028 European Championship in the coming months, so the FIGC will need to find a suitable alternative quickly.

Marink Reedijk linked to Royal Antwerp

Another name in the De Telegraaf report is Marink Reedijk, a Dutch coach who is reportedly in the picture to take over as trainer of Royal Antwerp. The Belgian Pro League side has been looking for a new manager after the departure of Mark van Bommel, who left the club earlier this summer.

Reedijk, 49, is a relatively lesser-known figure in top-level football. He previously worked as an assistant at clubs such as FC Utrecht and AZ Alkmaar, and most recently served as head coach of the Netherlands Under-21 team. His potential appointment at Royal Antwerp would represent a step up to a senior club role in a competitive league.

The report does not confirm that Reedijk is the frontrunner, only that he is being considered. Royal Antwerp, who finished third in the Belgian Pro League last season, aim to challenge for the title and will need a manager with experience at the highest level. Reedijk’s background in youth development could appeal to a club that values homegrown talent.

Transfer roundup from De Telegraaf

The De Telegraaf live blog also covers the broader transfer market, including both domestic and international developments. While the specific details of other moves are not captured in the headline, the blog is a day-long feed of breaking news, rumours, and official announcements.

For readers of FootballGames10, the key takeaways from this update are the two managerial storylines. The rejection of the Italy job by Guardiola and Ancelotti forces the FIGC to look elsewhere, while the potential appointment of Reedijk at Royal Antwerp could have implications for the Belgian league and European competitions.

What this means for readers

These developments matter for football fans following the European coaching carousel. Italy’s search for a new manager will now turn to other candidates, possibly including Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, or a younger tactician like Vincenzo Italiano. For Royal Antwerp, the Reedijk link suggests a Dutch influence in the Belgian league, which has seen an increasing number of Dutch coaches in recent years.

Both stories are still developing. The information comes from a single Dutch source, and confirmation from the clubs or the FIGC is awaited. As always, readers should treat these reports as unconfirmed until official statements are released.

Key facts

Source: De Telegraaf Voetbal – LIVE Transfers | Guardiola en Ancelotti wijzen Italië af, Marink Reedijk in beeld als trainer Royal Antwerp (https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/live-transfers-guardiola-en-ancelotti-wijzen-italie-af-marink-reedijk-in-beeld-als-trainer-royal-antwerp/155024322.html)