Pep Guardiola plans to take a hiatus after departing from Manchester City, but he emphasizes that he has no intention of retiring after his successful tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

In a candid revelation, Pep Guardiola has dismissed the notion that Manchester City’s current season could be deemed a ‘success’, stating simply, “We have not been good.” The City manager confirmed that he plans to step away from management following his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, which has now entered its ninth season. Guardiola’s contract runs until 2027, but speculation about his future has been rife, especially after he signed a two-year extension last November amidst whispers of a potential departure at the end of the current campaign.

Guardiola’s time at City has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Spaniard leading the club to six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, part of a historic treble-winning season in 2022/23. However, he emphasised the importance of taking a break when the time comes to leave the job. Speaking to ESPN, he said, “I want people to remember me however they want.” He added, “After my contract with City, I’m going to stop. I’m sure. I don’t know if I’m going to retire, but I’m going to take a break.” Guardiola reflected on his legacy, stating that while all coaches aspire to be remembered fondly, the reality is that memories fade quickly after one’s passing.

In a follow-up interview with Sky Sports ahead of City’s narrow 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Guardiola clarified his earlier comments, firmly dismissing any suggestions of an imminent exit. “Nooo! No, no, no, I didn’t say I’m leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes,” he quipped. He reiterated that when his time at City does come to an end—be it in one year or several—he will take a break, but not necessarily retire.

Friday night’s win over Wolves has temporarily lifted City into third place in the Premier League, bolstering their hopes for Champions League qualification next season. However, the road to this point has been rocky, particularly during October and November when the team faced an unprecedented five-match losing streak. Guardiola reflected on the challenges of the season, stating, “It was a year of great learning.” He acknowledged that there were multiple factors contributing to the difficulties faced, including some poor decisions on his part.

“People think we learn more from defeats than from victories. But I also think I learn from victories,” he noted. Guardiola was aware that a downturn was inevitable, but the extent of the struggles was unexpected. “What we did during 10 or 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,” he concluded, hinting at the ongoing evolution of his team.