Guardiola talks about fatigue, a trophyless season at Manchester City and plans to take a career break

After a decade of dominance with Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the toll of success and revealed he will take a break from football following the conclusion of his contract.

Guardiola: “Losing Is Part of the Sport”

In an exclusive interview with GQ Spain, Guardiola reflected on Manchester City’s trophyless 2024/25 season, describing it as a “natural dip” after years of relentless winning.

“We won six Premier Leagues. At some point, it was bound to happen. And when we fell, it was deeper than we imagined,” said Guardiola.

Despite falling short of silverware, City still reached the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League, with the Spanish coach pointing to fatigue and injuries as key reasons for the club’s drop in form.

“At one point, we had 11 players out. You can’t maintain intensity forever,” he added.

The Price of Success: Guardiola Reflects on Long-Term Dominance

Guardiola, who led City to 15 major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup, believes losing is necessary for balance in elite sports.

“In sports, you lose more than you win. Michael Jordan played 15 years and won six titles. Tiger Woods won 14 majors in over a hundred tournaments. You can’t win it all,” he said.

He described the season as “healthy” for the club, helping players and staff recalibrate after years of success.

Guardiola Confirms Career Break After City Exit

With his contract at the Etihad now finished, Guardiola announced he will step away from football, though he did not disclose for how long.

“I need time to rest, reset, and take care of my mental health,” he told GQ.

During his nine-year spell in Manchester, Guardiola became the most decorated coach in the club’s history, revolutionizing English football with his philosophy and tactical brilliance.

Pep Guardiola’s Record at Manchester City:

• 15 titles
• 6 Premier League titles
• 1 UEFA Champions League
• 2 FA Cups
• 4 League Cups
• 1 Club World Cup
• 1 UEFA Super Cup