Manchester City’s highly successful manager, Pep Guardiola, has revealed plans to take an indefinite break from football after his current stint with the English club concludes.
A Future Hiatus on the Horizon
Pep Guardiola, known for his intense and demanding coaching style, confirmed his intention to step away from the sport. He stated that a break is “more than decided” once his time at Manchester City comes to an end.
Speaking to GQ Spain, Guardiola emphasized the personal nature of this decision. “I need to stop and focus on myself,” he explained, indicating a desire for a period of introspection and rest.
This wouldn’t be his first sabbatical from football. After an incredibly successful four-year spell with Barcelona, Guardiola took a year-long break in 2012 before returning to management with Bayern Munich.
The exact duration of his upcoming break remains unknown. Guardiola admitted he doesn’t know if it will be a year, two, or even longer, highlighting the indefinite nature of his planned hiatus.
Embracing the “Failure” Narrative
The announcement comes after a somewhat challenging 2024/25 season for Manchester City, which saw them finish third in the league and exit the Champions League earlier than anticipated. This was a rare “trophy-less” season for the club under Guardiola.
Despite this, Guardiola maintains a unique perspective on setbacks. He openly embraces what many might label as “failures,” stating, “I’m delighted to have failed. I love failures.”
He critiqued societal pressures to constantly project an image of perfection and happiness. “In this society where everything has to be perfect, where you have to post your food on Instagram… ‘Oh, how good, how happy I am’,” he remarked, challenging the narrative.
“Everyday we have to prove that we’re happy. Well, yes, I’m sad, I fail and I lose. So?,” Guardiola added, underlining his acceptance of imperfection and loss.
The Shock Club World Cup Exit
One notable “failure” last season was Manchester City’s unexpected exit from the Club World Cup. They were stunned 4-3 by Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in the Round of 16.
The thrilling match at Camping World Stadium saw Al Hilal take the lead three times, twice in extra time. Kalidou Koulibaly put Al Hilal ahead 3-2 in the 94th minute, but Phil Foden equalized for City in the 104th.
The decisive goal came in the 112th minute from Marcos Leonardo. After City’s goalkeeper Ederson saved a header, the rebound fell to Leonardo, who netted the winning goal and eliminated the reigning Champions League winners.
- Pep Guardiola plans an indefinite hiatus after leaving Manchester City.
- He previously took a year-long break after coaching Barcelona.
- Guardiola embraces “failures” and criticizes society’s pressure for constant perfection.
- Manchester City experienced a rare trophy-less season in 2024/25, including a surprise Club World Cup exit.
Guardiola’s comments provide insight into his personal philosophy and a potential future without the daily demands of top-flight football management.
