Pep Guardiola has opened the door to stepping away from management permanently following his departure from Manchester City, confirming that a return to the touchline is not part of his current plans.
Guardiola’s remarks coincided with his rejection of an offer to take charge of the Italy national team, despite discussions held with Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, alongside the Italian Football Federation’s desire to hand him the reins of a new project.
“I don’t feel I’m missing anything mentally,” the Spanish manager explained, noting that almost his entire life has revolved around football since he began coaching at age 37. “Now I want to discover life and find happiness through things unrelated to football.”
While Guardiola did not entirely rule out a future return, he stressed it would only happen if his perspective shifts: “Maybe I’ll wake up one day and say I want to return to coaching, but first I have to feel that I miss it. Right now, that isn’t happening. I need to regain my balance after many events in my personal life.”
Reflecting on his passion for the game, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss added: “It’s the joy and pleasure of seeing my team play well—that’s the purpose that drives me every day. Coaching is a real addiction. Older managers retire, then want to return, and return again, because they can’t live without it.”
Guardiola began his senior managerial career at Barcelona, leading the Catalan giants from 2008 to 2012. During his tenure, he secured 14 trophies, including three La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns, Copa del Rey titles, FIFA Club World Cups, and Spanish Super Cups.
Between 2013 and 2016 at Bayern Munich, he claimed three consecutive Bundesliga titles, the DFB-Pokal, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, though a European title eluded him in Germany.
His decade-long stint at Manchester City proved to be his longest and most decorated period, yielding 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s historic 2023 UEFA Champions League title, cementing his status as the most successful manager in City’s history.
