Pep Guardiola Says He Wants to Discover Life After Man City Departure With No Desire For Quick Football Return
He admitted he doesn’t know how long he will stop for, but the decision to step away has already been made.
Former Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Pep Guardiola has revealed that he wants to discover life outside football when he eventually leaves Manchester City, saying he has no desire to make a quick return to management.
The 54-year-old City boss, who signed a two-year contract extension in November that keeps him at the Etihad until June 2027, has confirmed that he will take a significant break from the game once his time in Manchester ends. That deal would mean he will have spent 11 years at the club since joining in 2016.
Speaking in several interviews, Guardiola has been very clear about his plan.
“After my contract with City, I’m going to stop. I’m sure,” Guardiola told ESPN. He said he will take a break from football when he leaves Manchester City but does not know if he will retire from the game completely.
The Spaniard, who has guided City to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023, said he needs time to rest and live a normal life.
In an interview with GQ Hype Spain, Guardiola said he plans to take an indefinite break. He admitted he doesn’t know how long he will stop for, but the decision to step away has already been made.
“I didn’t have the energy,” he said in a recent interview explaining why he is leaving. “Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.”
Guardiola also shut down speculation about his next move. He said he will not take another club job immediately after leaving Manchester City. Speaking to Spanish celebrity chef Dani Garcia on his YouTube channel, he said, “I feel this is enough. I’m going to stop. I’m not going to take another team.”
However, he has left one door open – international football. While he does not want to manage another club, he has said he would be open to coaching a national team in the future.
Guardiola has also closed the chapter on Barcelona forever. Despite being a legendary player and manager at Camp Nou, he said a return as coach or even as president will never happen. “It was beautiful but it’s done. Return as Barcelona president? I’m not fit for that,” he said.
For now, City are planning a big farewell. The club has confirmed that the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’ and a statue to mark his incredible contribution during his 10 historic years has also been commissioned.
Guardiola, who is now 55, says people keep telling him he will be back in three months, but he insists he wants to discover what life is like without football, spending time with family, traveling, and resting after more than 15 years of non-stop top-level management.
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