Pep Guardiola, the iconic manager of Manchester City, has confirmed that he will take a break from football when he eventually departs the club, but he remains uncertain about whether he will retire. In a recent interview with ESPN Brasil, Guardiola expressed his intention to step away from management after his contract ends in June 2027, following a two-year extension signed in November 2024.
Guardiola, who has been at the helm of City since 2016, stated, "After my contract with City, I'm going to stop. I'm sure. I don't know if I'm going to retire, but I'm going to take a break." This revelation comes as he reflects on his illustrious career, which has seen him achieve unprecedented success in English football.
Under Guardiola's leadership, Manchester City has flourished, winning six Premier League titles and securing the club's first Champions League trophy as part of a treble-winning campaign in the 2022-23 season. His tenure has been marked by a style of play that has captivated fans and transformed the club into a dominant force in both domestic and European competitions.
However, the current season has posed significant challenges for Guardiola and his squad. As of early May 2025, City finds itself 21 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool and is battling to secure a Champions League spot for the next season. Guardiola acknowledged the difficulties faced this year, admitting, "It has been a year of great learning for me personally," and reflected on the importance of understanding what needs to be improved going forward.
Despite the struggles, Guardiola maintains that he has no immediate plans to leave City. When asked about his future, he clarified, "I didn't say I'm leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes!" This comment underscores his commitment to the club, even as speculation about his eventual departure lingers.
Guardiola's coaching journey has been a remarkable one. Before joining City, he spent four successful years at Barcelona, where he won numerous titles, and three years at Bayern Munich, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best managers in the world. His record at City has been nothing short of extraordinary, with 524 matches managed, more than double his time at Barcelona.
As he contemplates his legacy, Guardiola expressed a desire for fans to remember him for the enjoyment his teams have brought. He stated, "I want people to remember me however they want. All coaches want to win so we can have a memorable job, but I believe that the fans of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City had fun watching my teams play."
Guardiola's candid reflections on his career and the pressures of management reveal a thoughtful approach to his future. He has previously taken a year off after leaving Barcelona, and the possibility of a similar break looms as he considers what lies ahead.
Looking ahead, City has the opportunity to salvage something from this season, with an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace scheduled for May 17, 2025. Guardiola's side will be eager to secure silverware and end the season on a high note, despite the challenges faced throughout the campaign.
In the meantime, Guardiola's focus remains on the present, as he navigates the final matches of the season and prepares his team for the upcoming cup final. His commitment to City and the lessons learned from this season's difficulties will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the club's future.
As Guardiola continues to lead Manchester City, fans are left with a sense of anticipation for what the future holds, both for their beloved manager and the club itself. With his contract running until 2027 and a break on the horizon, the next chapter in Guardiola's storied career is sure to be one of interest and intrigue.
