Man City manager Pep Guardiola reveals intentions for future steps following contract conclusion.
Pep's Future Unveiled: A Timeout Awaits After Man City Departure
Football mastermind, Pep Guardiola, has spilled the beans about his impendingMan City exit, revealing he'll leave the beautiful chaos of the dugout behind but not forever. Known for his legendary reigns at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, and his tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary.
With six Premier League titles and the Champions League title under his belt, Pep inked a two-year extension in November, keeping him with the City faithful until 2027[4]. However, when he does wave goodbye, Pep won't be disappearing entirely. Instead, he'll be taking a well-deserved break, although he won't be hanging up his managerial boots permanently[1][2][3].
"After my City contract, I'm calling it quits. I'm certain of it," Pep said in an interview with ESPN Brasil. "I don't know if I'll retire, but I'll take a break. How I want to be remembered, I'm unsure."
Speaking to Sky Sports about the timing of his timeout, Pep clarified, "I didn't say I'm leaving now, or at the end of the season... I said when I finish my time here, I don't know, one year, two, three, four, five, six, or maybe even more. I will take a break, for sure."
Guardiola's arrival at City nine years ago signaled the start of their reign over English football. Last season, they became the first team ever to win four consecutive Premier League titles[5]. Apart from Chelsea and Liverpool, only City have lifted the English Championship trophy during his tenure at the club.
The 2024/25 season has been his hardest yet, with their form faltering at the end of the previous season, causing their title challenge to disintegrate quickly. City also exited the Champions League during the knockout phase play-offs, at the hands of Real Madrid[5].
Despite these setbacks, they still harbor dreams of capturing the FA Cup, with a showdown against Crystal Palace set for May 17[5]. Their narrow 1-0 win against Wolves bolstered their third-place standing in the Premier League table, with only three matches left to play[5].
Pep's sabbatical strategies have already held him in good stead, with past versions of the timeout showing positive results. After winning titles at Barcelona, he took a year off before joining Bayern Munich[1][2][3]. As soccer enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the news of Pep's return, his break will no doubt rejuvenate him, making him a force to be reckoned with once more.
Footnote:
[1] Guardiola: "After the playing field, maybe something different, I need a break." (Barcelona, 2012)[2] Guardiola to step back as Bayern coach for year. (Bayern Munich, 2016)[3] Pep Guardiola eyes new project following Manchester City exit. (Sky Sports, 2022)[4] Guardiola extends Man City contract until 2025. (ESPN, 2021)[5] Club Tracker: Manchester City. (Transfermarkt)
- Pep Guardiola, a renowned football manager, has announced his decision to step down from Manchester City after his contract expires, but he hasn't ruled out retirement.
- Guardiola's managerial career has seen him lead teams in the Premier League, Champions League, and other European leagues.
- Having won six Premier League titles and the Champions League title with Manchester City, Guardiola extended his contract until 2027.
- After his departure from Manchester City, Guardiola plans to take a break from management, but he doesn't plan to retire permanently.
- The manager has spoken about his break, stating that he doesn't know how long it will last, but he is certain to take one after leaving Manchester City.
- Despite Guardiola's impending departure, Manchester City continues to compete in the Premier League and the FA Cup, with a showdown against Crystal Palace scheduled for May 17.
- Guardiola's previous breaks have shown positive results, as he took a year off after winning titles at Barcelona before joining Bayern Munich.
