"It’s decided—I’m going to stop"

The Manchester City boss has made one of the strongest confessions of his career. In an interview with GQ Hype, Pep Guardiola announced that he will take an indefinite break once his time at the English club comes to an end.

"I know that after this stage with City, I’m going to stop. That’s for sure. It’s decided—more than decided," he said.

The Catalan coach didn’t set a timeline or specific conditions. It could be a one-year sabbatical or a much longer pause—but the decision is made:

"I’m going to step away after this stage with City, because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body."

A familiar decision—Barcelona déjà vu

It’s not the first time Guardiola has listened to his mind and body. At the end of his historic run with FC Barcelona, he also stepped away voluntarily.

"I think I knew how to stop at the right time. The same thing happened with my job at Barça—there came a moment when I said ‘enough’."

That same mindset is present now. His exit from City will be thoughtful, not forced by results or criticism. Guardiola doesn’t want to be pushed out—he wants to leave on his own terms.

Owning up with no excuses

The coach also acknowledged that this was his most difficult season in Manchester, including a stretch of 13–14 matches without a win, something he had never experienced.

"When you win six Premier Leagues, there comes a moment when you dip. That’s human nature."

He admitted he may have needed to make more squad changes but defended the campaign: not bad—just different.

Managing egos and handling constant pressure

Guardiola also reflected on the emotional toll of managing a squad full of talent and expectations. Choosing 11 out of 23 players every three days takes its toll.

"The ones who don’t play feel like I don’t love them. And it’s the opposite—I care even more because I suffer for them."

He also fired off a sharp quote:

"Are there people waiting for me to fail? Yes, for sure. And I welcome them. That gives you energy."