Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will take a break from management when his current Manchester City contract expires in 2027. In an interview with ESPN Brasil, the 54-year-old manager stated he is \"sure\" about pausing his career, though he remains uncertain if this will lead to retirement.
Guardiola signed a two-year extension with City last November, extending what has become his longest managerial tenure. His nine-year stint at the Etihad far exceeds his previous coaching spells at Barcelona (four years) and Bayern Munich (three years).
City Manager Reflects On \"Difficult\" Season
Guardiola acknowledged this season has been particularly challenging for his squad. City currently sit 21 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool while battling to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
\"It was a year of great learning. There is not just one reason why this year was difficult, there are many details, like wrong decisions made for me,\" Guardiola told ESPN Brasil. \"So, it has been a year of great learning for me, personally.\"
Despite this season\'s struggles, Guardiola\'s City legacy remains extraordinary. He has delivered six Premier League titles and led the club to its first Champions League triumph during their historic treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.
The City manager expressed pride in his team\'s accomplishments while recognizing their unexpected decline.
\"What we did during 10, nine years was exceptional, but now we have to sit down and learn to try to understand what we need to produce in the future,\" Guardiola said.
City will face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on May 17, offering a chance to end a challenging season with silverware. Guardiola previously took a sabbatical between his tenures at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Via ESPN