I’m not leaving Manchester City to go to another country

Pep Guardiola reaffirmed his deep commitment to Manchester City this Tuesday, making it clear that after extending his contract until 2027 last month, he has no intention of leaving the reigning four-time English champions for a new club in another country.

The Spanish coach, who has led City since 2016, emphasized the emotional and professional bond he has built with the club over the years and acknowledged that the idea of starting over at another club no longer appeals to him as it once might have.

Guardiola, speaking candidly on the Desmontadito podcast, addressed the speculation surrounding his long-term future and hinted at what lies ahead for him after his time at City eventually comes to an end. While he avoided making definitive statements about the exact timeline of his departure, Guardiola made it clear that his next chapter, whenever it comes, is unlikely to involve managing another club. Instead, he suggested that a role with a national team would be a more suitable challenge, given the differences in workload and energy requirements compared to the intense day-to-day responsibilities of club football.

“I’m not going to accept another team,” Guardiola stated unequivocally. “I don’t like talking about the future because you never know what will happen, but what I won’t do is leave [Manchester City] to go to another country and start over. I just won’t have the energy for it. The idea of returning to square one, of rebuilding a project, creating routines, and handling all the complexities of day-to-day management, uff… it feels like too much. A national team is different, though. It’s not as relentless, not as daily. It’s more focused, less demanding in terms of the weekly grind. That’s something I could consider.”

Guardiola then reflected on his time at Manchester City, describing the club as a place where he feels at home both professionally and personally. “Manchester City means a lot to me,” he explained. “This is my ninth season here, and we have lived through so many incredible moments together. It’s not just about the titles, though those have been special. It’s the people, the relationships, the shared goals, and the trust we have built. I have a very special feeling for this club, for the players, the staff, and the fans. I’m genuinely happy to stay for another two seasons because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now.”

Guardiola’s reign at City has been nothing short of historic. Since arriving in 2016, he has transformed the club into a dominant force in English and European football. Under his leadership, Manchester City has won multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and, most notably, the long-coveted UEFA Champions League in 2023. His innovative tactics, focus on possession-based football, and ability to develop players into world-class talents have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest managers in the sport’s history.

However, Guardiola also hinted that his coaching career does have a natural end point. At 53 years old, he has been managing at the highest level for over a decade, first with Barcelona, then Bayern Munich, and now Manchester City. The demands of modern football management both physically and mentally are immense, and Guardiola acknowledged that there will come a moment when he feels he has given enough to the game.

When asked what he envisions for his post-coaching life, Guardiola revealed his simple yet heartfelt passion for golf as a hobby that he hopes to embrace more fully. “I do it because I enjoy it; there’s no other explanation,” he said with a smile. “Right now, I can’t play as much as I’d like. I want to go out and play golf, but my schedule doesn’t allow it. One day, though, that will change. There will come a moment when I feel like it’s enough, and I’ll stop coaching for good. Then I’ll be able to enjoy life differently, maybe with fewer responsibilities and more time to do what I love.”

Guardiola’s comments also shed light on his awareness of the personal sacrifices that come with the job. Being one of the world’s most celebrated managers brings not only accolades but also an intense lifestyle that allows little room for relaxation or personal pursuits. His desire to slow down and embrace a quieter life after football reflects a level of introspection and balance that has defined him as a thoughtful and self-aware figure both on and off the pitch.

The idea of Guardiola managing a national team in the future is particularly intriguing. While he has spent his entire managerial career at club level, his tactical genius and ability to adapt to different styles of play make him a natural fit for international football. Managing a national team would allow Guardiola to focus on specific tournaments rather than the relentless cycle of domestic football, providing him with a fresh challenge and a different kind of legacy to build.

For now, however, Guardiola remains fully committed to Manchester City, where his focus is on continuing the club’s unprecedented success. City fans can take comfort in knowing that their manager—one of the most influential figures in the modern game is not planning to leave anytime soon. With Guardiola at the helm until at least 2027, Manchester City’s future looks as bright as ever, with more opportunities to build on their already remarkable achievements.

As Guardiola continues to write new chapters in his storied career, his honesty about the challenges of coaching, his future aspirations, and his love for Manchester City offers a refreshing glimpse into the mindset of one of football’s greatest minds. For now, the golf course will have to wait Guardiola still has trophies to win and legacies to cement.