MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he plans to take a break from football once his journey with Manchester City ends—but dismissed rumors that his departure is imminent, speaking ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.
The Manchester City boss, who extended his contract by two years last November, sparked conversation earlier this week after telling ESPN Brasil: “I want people to remember me however they want. 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.”
However, ahead of Friday’s fixture, the 54-year-old addressed the remarks to clear up any confusion.
“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,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
He went on to say that the end of his tenure at City remains uncertain in terms of timing, but what’s certain is his intention to pause his managerial career afterward. “But I’m saying when I finish my time here, I don’t know in one year, two years, three years, four years, five years, six years — I don’t know — I will take a break. I won’t retire but I will take a break, for sure.”
Manchester City began the season with aspirations of clinching a historic fifth consecutive Premier League title. However, the campaign hasn’t gone as planned, with the team sitting fourth ahead of their match against Wolves, trailing champions Liverpool by 21 points.
Guardiola emphasized the rarity of long-term contracts in football and used it to reinforce his point. “Do you know what it means in football to have a two-year contract for managers? It’s an eternity!” he said at the Etihad.
He reiterated that his remarks were about the future, not an imminent decision. “What I’m saying is when I finish here, I will take a break. I need to make a stop, that’s all. But still we are here to beat Wolves.”
