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Pep Guardiola has confirmed that once his managerial journey at Manchester City ends, he will step away from football temporarily, though he stopped short of declaring retirement.
The Catalan coach, 54, has been at the helm of City since 2016 and has transformed the club into a domestic powerhouse. Under his leadership, City have claimed 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and their historic first Champions League win in 2023. His success has only been surpassed in English top-flight history by Sir Alex Ferguson’s 13 titles with Manchester United.
Despite speculation linking him with the England job last year, Guardiola committed his future to City by signing a two-year extension in November, keeping him at the Etihad until 2027. That commitment came amid a cloud of uncertainty, as the club awaits a verdict on 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
Speaking with ESPN Brasil, Guardiola emphasized his desire for a break once his current contract expires. “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,” he said. This approach echoes the sabbatical he took after leaving Barcelona in 2012 before joining Bayern Munich a year later.
Guardiola, however, was quick to clarify that his departure is not imminent. “I didn’t say I’m leaving now or at the end of the season,” he told Sky Sports. “What I am saying is that when I finish here—whenever that may be—I will take a break. I won’t retire, but I will take time away.”
With at least two more seasons left on his City contract, Guardiola's long-term plans remain flexible. But one thing is clear: whenever his chapter in Manchester closes, a pause is certain before the next begins.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Fasyah Halim, Instagram / @mancity
