Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 10 year spell that transformed the club into one of the most dominant forces in world football.
Guardiola revealed that Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa will be his final game in charge, marking the end of an era defined by sustained success and tactical evolution.
During his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola won 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League crown, cementing Manchester City’s status among Europe’s elite.
Speaking at a press conference, the Spanish manager said exhaustion and the need for renewal were key factors behind his decision, explaining that both he and the club would benefit from “new energy” moving forward.
He admitted that the demands of modern football had taken a toll after nearly two decades of continuous coaching at the highest level, dating back to his time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Guardiola said he no longer feels he can maintain the intensity required to compete every few days at the highest level, adding that he will take a break from coaching to rest and recover mentally.
Although he will step away from management, Guardiola is expected to remain connected to the City Football Group in a broader ambassadorial capacity.
He reflected on his long career in football management, noting that apart from a brief period in New York, he has been involved in top level coaching for almost 18 years without a significant break.
Guardiola leaves Manchester City widely regarded as the most successful manager in the club’s history, having reshaped the team into a dominant force in English and European football.
His departure is expected to trigger a new era at the club as they prepare to appoint a successor ahead of the next season.
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