Swansea City head coach Francesco Guidolin has revealed he was close to getting the Italian national job two years ago after being linked with it once more.
Reports in Italy have claimed Guidolin is a contender to replace Antonio Conte, who is stepping down from the role after the Euro 2016 finals this summer.
Guidolin – who will return to the dugout on Saturday when the Swans host Aston Villa – insists he is happy to be in the mix for a job he says was almost his in 2014.
The 60-year-old, who returned to take training this week after three weeks off with a lung infection, said: “Two years ago when Conte went to the national team I was in a similar position to him but in the end it went to Conte.
“I was close but now, for me, they are only rumours. I am happy if my name is on the list but I don’t know anything. My focus is only here.”
“The job is different. Problems are the same. I prefer to work every day because this is my way, I am a manager on the pitch not in the office. I always work in this way. But I don’t know, maybe in the future I could look at the national team but I don’t know.”
The success of Alan Curtis whilst Guidolin has been on sick leave has prompted speculation over the Italian’s future.
He has a short term contract that runs until the end of the season, but insists he is unconcerned about what may happen after that.
“It’s not a problem for me,” he said. “I have an agreement with the chairman that is very clear. I said before and I repeat, the future is not important, the present, this moment is. The call came two months ago to help this club and I am doing it.
“My head and my heart is in this situation. Other things are not important. The agreement is clear, four months and then we will see about the future. What is important at the moment is only to save Swansea.
“At the moment I think only about Swansea and helping my club, my team and my players because this season is not an easy one.”
