Pep Guardiola will take a career break after leaving Manchester City: “I need to stop and focus on myself”
Legendary coach says he’ll step away from football after 2027, leaving his future open but a World Cup dream remains
Pep Guardiola has officially announced he will take a break from football management after his contract with Manchester City expires in June 2027, ending over a decade of dominance at the Premier League club.
In an interview with GQ Hype Spain, the Spanish manager confirmed what had been previously speculated: a sabbatical from the sport to focus on his personal well-being. “I know that after this time at City, I’ll stop, that’s for sure, it’s decided, more than decided,” Guardiola stated.
Guardiola Uncertain About Return Timeline
The 53-year-old made it clear that he has no fixed timeline for his return, hinting that the break could be extensive.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be out one year, two years, five, ten… I really don’t know. But I will definitely stop after City. I need to focus on myself, on my body,” said the coach.
Contract Runs Until 2027
Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016 and recently extended his contract until June 2027. During his time at the club, he has transformed City into one of the most dominant teams in world football, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the long-awaited Champions League title in 2023.
If he completes his current deal, Guardiola will have spent 11 seasons at the helm the longest spell of his coaching career.
A Future in the World Cup?
Looking further ahead, Guardiola has expressed a desire to manage a national team, specifically at a World Cup.
“I don’t know when in five, ten, or fifteen years but I’d like to coach at a World Cup,” he told ESPN in a 2024 interview.
He added that any national team job would depend on who wants him, suggesting he’ll wait for the right opportunity.
No Return to Barcelona
Despite his historic success at Barcelona, Guardiola has firmly shut down speculation about a return.
“It’s over. It’s over forever. It was beautiful, but it’s over,” he told Spanish media, ending any hope of a second stint in Catalonia.
Since leaving Barça in 2012, Guardiola also had a successful spell at Bayern Munich before joining City. Across all three clubs, he’s earned a reputation as one of the greatest managers in football history.
