Guardiola in talks with Italy
Pep Guardiola is negotiating to become Italy's national team manager (1) (5) (6). Contact has been made between Guardiola and the Italian football federation (3). Paolo Maldini and Leonardo are involved in the talks, with Andrea Pirlo named as an alternative if the Guardiola deal falls through (5). The discussions are reportedly at an early stage, but this is the first concrete offer since his City departure (3).
Reijnders gets a fresh start under Maresca
Enzo Maresca plans to give Tijjani Reijnders a clean slate this summer (2). The uncertainty around Rodri has shifted City's thinking in midfield, and Reijnders now looks set to stay rather than be moved on (2).
K-League All Stars friendly
City faced the K-League All Stars in a pre-season friendly (4). No scoreline or details are available from the source (4).
Fan reactions
The Rodri appreciation posts are stacking up. One fan posted his World Cup stats with the simple caption "Rodri has won it all", another shared a Squawka graphic of his tournament numbers, and a third put up a full Fotmob ratings breakdown for every City player at the World Cup link. Elsewhere, Joao Pedro told a story about turning City down at 18 to go to Watford instead, wanting guaranteed minutes over a loan carousel link.
