Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s acclaimed manager, plans to take a break from football when his contract ends in June 2027, but remains unsure about retirement. Despite a challenging 2024/25 season, the 54-year-old, who signed a two-year extension in November, reflects on his legacy and City’s unprecedented success under his leadership.
In an ESPN interview, Guardiola confirmed his intention to pause his career after 11 years at Manchester City, his longest coaching stint. “I’m sure I’ll stop after my contract, but I don’t know if I’ll retire,” he said. Having led City to six Premier League titles and a 2022/23 Champions League treble, Guardiola emphasised creating memorable moments for Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City fans.
Guardiola dismissed concerns about legacy, stating, “We shouldn’t live thinking about being remembered. Good coaches leave lasting memories.” He also ruled out managing another club but left the possibility of coaching a national team open.
"After my contract with City, I'm going to stop. I'm going to take a break" 👀
Man City manager Pep Guardiola says he's not sure if he'll retire when he leaves the club, but he WILL be taking a break from football ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/iO9DdH4f5Z
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 2, 2025Manchester City, currently fourth in the Premier League, face Wolves on Friday with only four games left. Once favourites for a fifth consecutive title, they trail Liverpool by 21 points, fighting for Champions League qualification. Despite reaching a third straight FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, Guardiola admitted, “We fell a lot this season. We didn’t expect to be so far.”
Read: Pep Guardiola: FA Cup Win Won’t Redeem Manchester City’s Season
He called the season a “great learning” experience, acknowledging that City’s decade-long dominance was exceptional but unsustainable. “We can’t win them all,” he noted, focusing on future improvements.
Pep Guardiola’s planned break after Manchester City marks the end of an era, though his future in football remains open. As City navigates a tough season, Guardiola’s reflections on legacy and resilience highlight his enduring impact. Fans and the football world await his next move with anticipation.
