Legendary football manager Pep Guardiola has once again declared his intention to step away from football following the end of his current contract with Manchester City. In a revealing interview with GQ Spain, the 54-year-old Spaniard outlined his future plans — and they include a possible decade-long break from the sport he has revolutionized.
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Guardiola’s Announcement: A Decade of Silence?
Pep Guardiola, who has been in charge of Manchester City since 2016, stated in no uncertain terms that his time at the club will come to a close after his current deal expires in 2027. While he hasn’t specified the exact length of his planned hiatus, Guardiola made it clear that his sabbatical is definite.
“I know that after this stage with City, I’m going to stop, that’s for sure. It’s decided, more than decided,” he said.
“I don’t know how long I’ll stop for — a year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen — I don’t know. But I will leave after this spell with City because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body.”
The Trophy-Laden Era at Manchester City
Since arriving at the Etihad, Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into one of the most dominant clubs in football history. Under his leadership, the club has won:
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6 Premier League titles
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2 FA Cups
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4 EFL Cups
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1 UEFA Champions League
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5 Community Shields
That’s 18 major trophies in less than a decade — a staggering achievement.
A Tough Final Season?
Despite his glittering record, the 2024/25 season saw City fail to secure any silverware — their first trophyless campaign under Guardiola. The manager admitted the season took a toll, especially with rising scrutiny from fans and media.
“I’ve spent four or five months this year in every away stadium with the crowd chanting, ‘You’ll be sacked in the morning.’
There’s no other profession… where 60,000 people ask you to lose your job.”
This relentless pressure may be part of what has driven Guardiola’s decision to step back from coaching.
Perspective on Losing and Moving On
In the same interview, Guardiola reflected on the human aspect of success and failure, saying:
“When you win six Premier Leagues, there comes a time when you go down. It’s human nature… it took longer to happen, and when it did, it went deeper than we could have imagined.”
He added that the setback might actually be beneficial for the club:
“Speaking on behalf of Manchester City, it has been very healthy for us. I think it will be very good for the next five or ten years.”
Guardiola believes this recent low point can serve as a launchpad for future growth and help reset expectations within the squad and the fan base.
Hints of Burnout and Personal Healing
Guardiola’s decision to leave football isn’t just professional — it appears deeply personal. He emphasized the need to take time for himself, physically and mentally.
The Spaniard’s intense work ethic and tactical perfectionism have made him one of football’s greatest minds, but they may have also led to burnout.
“I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body.”
Pep’s Legacy in Football
From Barcelona to Bayern Munich and then to Manchester City, Guardiola has shaped modern football. His high-pressing, possession-based tactics have influenced a generation of coaches and elevated clubs to new heights.
Guardiola’s teams don’t just win — they entertain, dominate, and redefine how the game is played.
FAQs
Q1: When will Pep Guardiola leave Manchester City?
Guardiola is expected to leave after his contract expires in 2027.
Q2: How many trophies has Guardiola won with Manchester City?
He has won 18 trophies, including 6 Premier League titles and 1 UEFA Champions League.
Q3: Why is Guardiola leaving Manchester City?
He has decided to take a break from football to focus on his health and personal life.
Q4: How long will Guardiola’s break last?
He hasn’t set a specific timeframe. It could be one year or even ten years, depending on how he feels.
Q5: Has Guardiola taken a sabbatical before?
Yes. After leaving Barcelona in 2012, he took a one-year break before joining Bayern Munich.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City in 2027 will mark the end of one of football’s most successful managerial eras. His decision to take a potentially long sabbatical highlights the intense pressure at the highest level of the game and the personal cost of sustained success.
While fans and pundits will speculate about where he might go next — or if he’ll return at all — one thing is certain: Guardiola leaves behind a legacy that will echo in football history for decades.
Whether he returns in one year or ten, his influence on the sport will never be forgotten.
