Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has said he will take a break from football when his contract ends in 2027. The 54-year-old told GQ Spain that he may be away for a very long time—maybe even 15 years!
“I’m sure I’ll leave after this time at City,” Pep said. “I don’t know how long I’ll be away—maybe one year, or even 15—but I need to rest and take care of myself.”
Guardiola has been Manchester City’s most successful coach ever, winning 18 big trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.
But this past season (2024–25) was tough for him and the team. For the first time since he came to the club in 2016, they didn’t win any trophies. City finished third in the Premier League and went out early from the Champions League.
Pep also shared how hard it can be to be a coach. “In many away games, fans would shout, ‘You’ll be sacked in the morning.’ Imagine 60,000 people wanting you to lose your job,” he said.
Still, Guardiola said he doesn’t feel like a failure. “We made it to the FA Cup final and came third. That’s not bad at all,” he added. “Even when we were winning everything, I never felt too special. And now, I don’t feel like a loser.”
He believes this tough season could actually help City in the future. “It’s good for us. Winning too much can confuse you. This season was different, but I think it will help us get better over the next 5 or 10 years.”
Manchester City will start the new Premier League season on August 16, playing against Wolves.
