Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his tenure at Manchester City will be his final managerial role at a club level, signaling that he has no intention of managing another club, whether in the Premier League or abroad.
The 53-year-old Spanish coach, who has enjoyed a highly successful career with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, made this announcement during an interview with renowned celebrity chef Dani Garcia on YouTube.
Guardiola, who took charge of Manchester City in 2016, has led the club to numerous triumphs, including 15 major trophies, and he signed a two-year contract extension with City in August, ensuring his stay until 2027.
Despite the recent challenges faced by City, including a dip in form with just one win in their last nine matches, Guardiola remains committed to his current project at the Etihad.
During the interview, Guardiola discussed his future, revealing that although he is not yet thinking about the long-term, he has no desire to take up another club managerial position after his time at City. “I’m not going to manage another team,” he stated emphatically.
“I wouldn’t have the energy for it. The thought of starting somewhere else and going through the entire process of training, building a team—it’s not something I want to do. Maybe a national team, but that’s different.”
The prospect of Guardiola managing a national team has been a topic of speculation in recent years, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager approached over the summer for the England job.
However, he ultimately decided to extend his commitment to City. While Guardiola did not clarify when he plans to step down from club management, his comments suggest that his days in club football are numbered.
Guardiola admitted that he fantasizes about stepping away from the intensity of management, saying, “I want to leave it and go play golf, but I can’t if I take another club job. I think stopping would do me good.”
The Spaniard’s comments hint at a desire for a slower pace of life after an illustrious coaching career at the highest level.
In the immediate term, City faces a challenging run of fixtures. After struggling with results—having secured just one win since his contract extension—Guardiola’s side will look to bounce back in their upcoming Champions League match against Juventus on Wednesday.
City will then host Manchester United in a crucial Premier League fixture on Sunday. Guardiola has acknowledged the team’s current struggles but remains focused on the task at hand.
“Right now, we are not in the position—based on our recent results—to talk about winning games in plural,” he said. “We have to win the game and not look at what happens in the next one yet.”
Despite the difficult run of form, Guardiola’s focus on the present moment reflects his commitment to turning things around.
City, who have been hit with injuries and inconsistent performances, are hoping to regain their momentum and continue challenging for titles in both domestic and European competitions.
As Guardiola looks to finish his career at Manchester City, his announcement offers a glimpse into his post-club aspirations and signals the potential for a new chapter in international management, though when that may come remains uncertain.
For now, he remains dedicated to City and their ambitious goals for the remainder of the season.
