When the curtain eventually falls on Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City, the iconic manager has revealed he plans to step away from the dugout—at least temporarily.
Although no end date is set in stone, Guardiola has confirmed that a break from the relentless demands of top-flight management awaits him once his time at City concludes. While not committing to retirement, the 54-year-old is already looking ahead to a well-earned pause in his glittering career.
The Spaniard signed a contract extension in November, keeping him at the Etihad until June 2027. If he sees it through, it will mark an astonishing 11-year reign—a rarity in modern football, particularly at a club of such high expectations. Prior to his Manchester chapter, Guardiola carved out success with spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, establishing a style of football admired across the globe.
Guardiola has clarified that his departure won’t necessarily align with the end of his current deal. Whether he exits in one, three, or even five years, his intention is to recharge away from the pressures of the game once that day arrives.
Under his guidance, City have rewritten the record books. From a historic Treble in 2022–23, including the club’s long-awaited first Champions League trophy, to six Premier League titles in the past nine seasons, Guardiola has masterminded the most dominant era in the club’s history. His influence has transformed not just a team, but a club, reshaping its global stature.
Yet, this season has not met those lofty standards. City currently sit fourth in the Premier League, with only four matches remaining. However, the chance for silverware remains alive—they are set to contest the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on 17 May.
Guardiola remains philosophical about his legacy. He places little stock in how history will judge him, suggesting the joy his teams have brought to fans at Barcelona, Bayern and City is a legacy in itself. In his eyes, winning is essential—but not the only measure of a successful tenure. It’s the entertainment, the evolution of the game, and the memories left behind that matter most.
While fans may already be dreading the day Guardiola steps aside, his message is clear: the end is not now, but when it comes, it will be followed by silence—not retirement, but reflection. And, perhaps, the promise of one more act to come.
