Pep Guardiola announces that Manchester City will be his last club as a manager.
Pep Guardiola has announced that Manchester City will be his final managerial role in club football. The 53-year-old has spent eight-and-a-half years at City, guiding the team to six Premier League titles and numerous other trophies. Last month, Guardiola extended his contract until 2027, ensuring his tenure with the reigning four-time Premier League champions surpasses a decade.
In an exclusive interview with Spanish chef Dani Garcia, Guardiola revealed his plans for the future, confirming he will not manage another club after leaving City. “I’m not going to manage another team,” he said. “I’m not talking about the distant future, but when I leave Man City, I won’t move to another country or take on the same role elsewhere. I need to stop, reflect on what we’ve done well, and consider what we could improve. When you’re constantly working, you don’t have time for that.”
He added, “I want to stop and play golf, though I find it difficult to fully step away. I believe taking a break would be beneficial.” Guardiola also shared insights into his retirement plans. “I’m still young, and when I retire, there are a few things I want to do,” he said. “One of them is to learn French, dedicate my free time to myself, play golf, and learn to cook simple meals.” Discussing the challenges of managing City, Guardiola admitted the emotional toll defeats take on him. “The starting point for coping with losses is being with your family, but as a manager, the pain of defeat is something you face alone,” he explained. “Even with friends or family nearby, once you’re alone in your room, there’s no consolation. It takes a day or two to process before you can start again.”
He credited golf as a therapeutic outlet, saying, “One of my favorite therapies is watching major golf tournaments like the Augusta Masters. I often prepare for matches while having golf on in the background, whether at home or at Tast, my Spanish restaurant in Manchester.” Meanwhile, Manchester City’s title race suffered a setback with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, leaving Guardiola reflecting on the ups and downs of the job.