Rudi Garcia has reportedly pulled out of talks with Fiorentina, as he wants a club in the Champions League.
The former Roma and Olympique Lyonnais tactician had been one of the main options after Gennaro Gattuso walked away in a bitter split just 23 days in his tenure at the Stadio Franchi.
However, Sky Sport Italia and Fiorentinanews.com report that Garcia has ended negotiations via his intermediaries.
It’s because the French coach is holding out for a Champions League club and, if there are no suitable offers, is ready to take a year out.
For the same reason, Garcia is also no longer a candidate for the Tottenham Hotspur job, where Gattuso had been in talks that were abruptly scrapped after a backlash from Spurs fans.
The first choice for President Rocco Commisso therefore remains Vincenzo Italiano, who just signed a new contract with Spezia.
Because of that agreement, Fiorentina must pay €1m to release Italiano from the contract and free him up to take over with the Viola.