Man City coach Pep Guardiola has revealed that exhaustion and the need for a fresh challenge influenced his decision to leave Manchester City after a historic 10-year spell in charge.
Guardiola confirmed that Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa will be his final match as City manager, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
During his decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard guided City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League triumph.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola said he believes the team now needs “new energy” to continue progressing.
“I think the club needs a new manager, new energy with these incredible players that we have right now, and you start to write another chapter,” he said.
The 55-year-old admitted that the relentless demands of modern football had taken a toll on him after nearly two decades of constant management.
“I feel I will not have the energy that is required, every three days, the expectations to fight for the titles, with being in front of the players,” Guardiola explained.
Although he will remain linked with the City Football Group in a global ambassadorial role, Guardiola said he plans to step away from coaching for a period.
“I will not train for a while,” he stated.
Guardiola reflected on the intensity of his managerial career, which began at Barcelona before continuing at Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
“It’s not 10 years. I’ve been, except for a year in New York, I’ve been 17, 18 years, every three days, three days, three days,” he said.
“I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I’ll be a while, that is my feeling right now.”
Guardiola leaves Manchester City widely regarded as the most successful manager in the club’s history after transforming the side into a dominant force in English and European football.