Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Pep Guardiola Drops Cryptic Hint About Life Away From Football After Manchester City

The Iconic Spanish Manager Opens Up About His Next Move.

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Pep Guardiola recently opened up about his future, his life after his current stint at Manchester City. He revealed that he has already taken a firm decision to take a prolonged break once his time at the Premier League club comes to an end. The Catalan tactician is yet to set a fixed departure date.

However, his current contract with City runs until the end of next season. Guardiola suggested that his exit from the Etihad could signal the start of a lengthy sabbatical. In an interview with GQ Spain, Guardiola confirmed his post-City plans, saying:

“I know that after this stage with City I’m going to stop – that’s for sure. It’s decided, more than decided. I don’t know how long I’ll stop for – a year, two, three, five, ten, fifteen – I don’t know. But I will leave after this spell with City because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body.”

Pep Guardiola has reiterated that he will take a break from coaching after leaving Manchester City, admitting it could be as long as 15 years.

Close to the end for a legend 💔 pic.twitter.com/sIMeXccNpq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 28, 2025

The 54-year-old manager began his senior coaching career at Barcelona in 2008. Since then, he has also enjoyed successful spells at Bayern Munich and Manchester City. His trophy haul includes 12 league titles across three nations, two Champions League trophies, and two historic trebles with two different clubs.

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The Weight of Expectation on Pep Guardiola

Guardiola’s decision appears to be influenced not just by physical fatigue but also the emotional toll that comes with top-level management. “I’ve spent four or five months this year in every away stadium with the crowd chanting, ‘You’ll be sacked in the morning,’“ he noted, “There’s no other profession… where 60,000 people ask you to lose your job.”

Manchester City endured a rare trophyless season in 2024–25. This was their first under Guardiola but they still finished third in the Premier League. They exited the Champions League early, and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. Yet, Guardiola remains philosophical:

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“We didn’t finish 12th. We reached the FA Cup final and finished third. It hasn’t been that bad.” Despite the criticism, he views the difficult season as a turning point as he said, “This season has been healthy for us. Success can confuse you… I think it will be good for the next five or ten years.”

The Citizens are prepared to kick off the new Premier League season against Wolves on August 16. Guardiola’s looming departure casts a curious shadow on whether he will leave immediately after his contract ends with Man City or if he will stay on for a few more years signing an extended contract with them.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.