Pep Guardiola has dropped a major hint about stepping away from football after his time at Manchester City comes to an end. The highly decorated manager opened up about his intentions to take a break once his current contract concludes, sending shockwaves across the football world.
Guardiola, who recently extended his stay at Manchester City until 2027, revealed that this chapter may mark the end of his coaching journey at least for the foreseeable future. While he stopped short of calling it permanent retirement, he made it clear that a break is inevitable.
“I know that after this experience with Manchester City, I will stop. This is certain, it’s decided, more than decided,” he said. “For how long? A year, two, ten? I don’t know. I need to disconnect, dedicate time to myself, listen to my body. I simply need to stop and focus on myself.”
The 53-year-old emphasized the unpredictability of life, noting how his journey as a player and coach had taken him to unexpected places. From his early days at Barcelona to stints in Germany and England, Guardiola acknowledged the twists and turns that shaped his career. Despite his well-laid plans, he admitted some decisions were dictated by circumstances beyond his control.
He reflected on the harsh realities of competitive sport, acknowledging that losing is a natural part of the journey, even for the greats. “This is the sport. To lose more than you win. Michael Jordan won six rings in fifteen years. He lost more than he won. Tiger Woods won 14 Majors, but played in more than a hundred. I’ve played in 16 leagues, I’ve won 13.”
Having managed at the top level for 17 years, Guardiola’s coaching legacy is unmatched. After taking charge at Barcelona in 2008, he took a sabbatical in 2012 before moving to Bayern Munich, and then to Manchester City in 2016. Over the years, he has transformed City into one of the most dominant teams in European football.
As his contract nears its end in 2027, fans and the football world alike are bracing for the possibility of a Guardiola exit and perhaps the end of an era in modern football coaching.
