There are growing reports suggesting that Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City at the end of the current season—despite being tied to the club until 2027.
According to The Times, individuals close to Guardiola believe that next summer, marking a full decade since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, could represent a “logical” moment for him to call time on his historic spell in charge.
The publication reports that while no final decision has been made, several within his circle see 10 years at one club as a natural conclusion to a remarkable managerial cycle.
Guardiola’s tenure at City has been nothing short of transformative. Since taking over from Manuel Pellegrini in 2016, he has elevated the club to global dominance, capturing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League crown, and multiple domestic and international honours.
His high-pressing, possession-driven football has redefined English football’s tactical landscape, with City becoming a model of sustained excellence.
Still, even the most successful managerial projects reach a point of reflection, therefore, Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City
His contract, extended just last year to 2027, may not necessarily guarantee his stay for the full duration.
The Times report hints that discussions among those close to the 53-year-old are leaning toward an exit next summer, a decision that would close one of the most successful chapters in Premier League history.
Yet this wouldn’t be the first time speculation about his departure has surfaced.
In previous years, similar predictions were made, only for Guardiola to perform a U-turn and sign new terms.
Whether this instance proves different remains to be seen, but there is a growing sense that he may finally be ready for a pause after a relentless decade at the highest level.
Guardiola’s future: “It’s decided, more than decided”
Meanwhile, amid the report that Pep Guardiola could leave Manchester City, he has also spoken candidly about the inevitability of taking a break once his time in Manchester ends.
In an earlier interview, Guardiola confirmed his intention to step away from football—at least temporarily—when his tenure concludes.
“I know that after this stage with City I’m going to stop, that’s for sure. It’s decided, more than decided,” Guardiola revealed.
“I don’t know how long I’ll stop for, a year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen, I don’t know. But I will leave after this spell with City because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body.”
It’s a rare moment of openness from one of football’s most intense and detail-driven figures.
Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of perfection has defined his coaching philosophy, but it has also been emotionally and physically draining.
Clarifying his comments in an interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola was quick to stress that his remarks should not be interpreted as an imminent resignation.
“No, no, no I didn’t say I’m leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes,” he said with a laugh.
“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.”
Those words underline Guardiola’s long-term mindset while hinting at an awareness that his City era will not last forever.
His tenure has already surpassed his previous stints in both Barcelona and Munich combined, an extraordinary statistic given his usual preference for shorter cycles.
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For now, Guardiola remains firmly focused on adding to his glittering collection of trophies.
Manchester City, once again, are in the thick of the Premier League title race. They currently sit four points behind leaders Arsenal, having produced a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool before the international break.
With the club still competing on multiple fronts, Guardiola has the opportunity to further cement his status as arguably the greatest manager in English football history.
Another league title or a second Champions League triumph would only strengthen that claim.
For now, the immediate focus is on the next challenge—an upcoming clash against Newcastle United as City look to close the gap at the top of the table.
