Argentina FA chief Claudio Tapia has confirmed that the country have failed with their effort to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. The South American nation are on the search for a new head coach after the recent dismissal of Jorge Sampaoli but it appears Guardiola will certainty not be succeeding at the helm.
Speaking to TyC Sports, Tapia admitted that Argentina enquired over the availability of the Citizens boss but they were put off by his wage demands, he said: “We enquired, it was a possibility, but we enquired. You have to have a big wallet, a large backing. It's a lot [Guardiola's salary] and we have to get loans for everything. We made consultations but it is very difficult, I am telling you the truth. We made an enquiry but we did not think it was so much. We tried to speak, but he stayed there.”
Argentina only qualified for the 2018 World Cup after some heroics from“ Lionel Messi but the Barcelona star could not save the nation from elimination at the main tournament. “After scrapping through the group stages, Argentina struggled to cope with the pace and workrate of France and they were eventually ousted after a 4-3 defeat in the round of 16.
Since then, there has been plenty of criticism focused towards the senior players but there have been any retirement ideas as of yet barring Javier Mascherano, who has announced the decision to call quits before the World Cup. Meanwhile, Guardiola has witnessed a quiet transfer window with just one signing in the form of Riyad Mahrez and there should be some frustration after failing to sign a midfield recruit.
Nevertheless, Phil Foden showed glimpses of his extreme potential during the Community Shield triumph over Chelsea and Guardiola could bank on the departure, should he require to rest any of his senior players. The 18-year-old had the better off Jorginho during the course of last weekend’s game and he contributed the assist for Sergio Aguero’s opener.