New Delhi: Every now then we see a manager come into the beautiful game and completely revitalize the sport as we know it. For some, it was Johan Cruyff, for some it was Sir Alex Ferguson, for some it was Arsene Wenger and for the current generation, it’s Pep Guardiola, the only man in the history of the sport to win two trebles, and he did so with two different teams.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time, he has revealed that Manchester City will be the final club he manages in his career. After over eight years of remarkable success at the Etihad Stadium, the 53-year-old Spaniard has decided that his journey in club football will conclude with the reigning Premier League champions. In an exclusive interview with Spanish chef Dani Garcia, Guardiola expressed his intention to not seek managerial opportunities with another club once his tenure at City ends.
“I’m not going to manage another team,” he stated, “I’m not talking about the long-term future but what I’m not going to do is leave Man City, go to another country, and do the same thing as now.” While he left the door open to managing a national team, Guardiola emphasized the importance of stepping back to recharge and reflect after his time in Manchester. While we might not see him grace the touchline for a club again in the near future, the fact that he’s open to managing a national team would surely bring some relief for the Catalan’s fans.
🚨🔵 Pep Guardiola: “I’m NOT gonna manage any other club after City”.
“I’m not talking about the long-term future but what I’m not going to do is leave, go to another country, do the same thing as now”.
“Maybe a national team, but that’s different”, told @danigarcia_ca. pic.twitter.com/jtjGhh2CIJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 10, 2024
Guardiola’s impact on Manchester City and English football has been transformative. Since joining in 2016, he has guided the club to six Premier League titles, including an unprecedented four consecutive ones. Under his stewardship, City have also claimed numerous domestic trophies and achieved their first-ever Champions League victory in 2023, making them the first English club since Manchester United to win the treble and cementing their place among Europe’s elite clubs.
Despite these achievements, Guardiola has faced one of the toughest periods of his tenure this season. City have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, and injuries to key players such as Rodri, their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, have hampered their progress. Guardiola candidly acknowledged the impact of Rodri’s absence, comparing it to playing without Lionel Messi in his prime, a scenario he described as unimaginable during his time at Barcelona.
Currently fourth in the Premier League and trailing league leaders Liverpool by eight points, City’s form has raised questions about their ability to sustain their dominance. In the Champions League’s new League Stage format, they sit 17th, adding to the challenges ahead.
Life Beyond the Beautiful Game
Ronald Koeman played a golf game with Pep Guardiola, accompanied by their sons. The Dutchman lost the match.
— MD pic.twitter.com/bkISn4phhp
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 5, 2021
When the time comes to step away from the club, Guardiola has clear plans for life after football. He envisions dedicating time to personal interests such as learning French, improving his golf game, and exploring the culinary arts. “I want to leave it and go play golf… I think stopping would do me good,” Guardiola shared, highlighting the importance of taking a break from the relentless demands of football management.
Guardiola also reflected on the emotional toll of coaching, admitting that defeats can feel isolating despite the support of friends and family. He credited golf and his passion for the sport as a therapeutic outlet, helping him navigate the challenges of the job. Guardiola’s influence extends far beyond his trophy cabinet. He is credited with revolutionizing English football by introducing a more technical, possession-based style of play that has inspired managers and players across the league.
His success at Manchester City, coupled with his achievements at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, solidifies his legacy as one of the game’s most innovative minds. As Guardiola approaches the final chapters of his club managerial career, his contributions to Manchester City and the broader football world remain undeniable. Whether the team can overcome its current struggles and end his tenure on a high note remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Guardiola’s era at City will be remembered as one of unparalleled excellence.
The Catalan has been in charge of the Cityzens since the 2016/17 season and has just recently signed a new two-year deal after it was widely expected that he would leave after the end of the current season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
