Pep Guardiola Plans Extended Break from Coaching After Manchester City Spell Ends

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed he will take a long break from football once his current journey with the Premier League giants comes to an end.

The 54-year-old Spaniard, who has been in charge at City since 2016, made the revelation in a recent interview with GQ Spain. Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in modern football, said he plans to step away from coaching entirely to focus on his health and personal well-being.

“I know that after this stage with City I’m going to stop, that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s decided, more than decided.”

Though he hasn’t set a definite timeframe, Guardiola admitted the break could last anywhere from one to fifteen years, depending on how he feels.

“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.”

Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City runs until 2027, which means fans may still have a couple more seasons to enjoy his leadership before he takes his much-anticipated sabbatical.

Since joining City, Guardiola has won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in English football.

His potential departure will undoubtedly mark the end of an era—not just for Manchester City, but for the game at large. While fans will miss his tactical brilliance, many are already wishing him well on his journey to rest and recharge.