Pep Guardiola snubs idea of post-Manchester City career change and prospect of Barcelona return | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has snubbed the idea of moving into a boardroom position at FC Barcelona beyond his ongoing managerial career.

While debate continues to intensify around how long Guardiola will remain at the Etihad Stadium, the Catalan coach has taken the opportunity this week to address growing speculation about his future beyond management.

It comes amid a broader conversation inside Manchester City, where senior figures – including new sporting director Hugo Viana – may have been quietly assessing long-term succession plans should Guardiola decide the 2026/27 finish line is his last, or even earlier.

Pep Guardiola’s latest reflections follow a string of reports in recent months examining possible exit timelines, with multiple outlets suggesting he is giving serious thought to either a coaching sabbatical or stepping away entirely after over a decade in the Premier League.

et despite the swirling rumours, what remains clear is that he envisions no dramatic career shift into off-pitch roles once he finally walks away from the technical area. His comments also arrive in a period where Barcelona have been widely linked with ambitions of reuniting with former icons.

With City themselves planning ahead – reportedly drawing up early shortlists including Andoni Iraola, Vincent Kompany, and other stylistically aligned candidates – Guardiola’s remarks help clarify at least one element of his post-City future.

Speaking during a new interview with RAC1 this week, the idea of a return to FC Barcelona in the position of club president was put to Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.

“I don’t reject Barça. You’re always a supporter of where you started,” the 54-year-old began by insisting. However, he continued, “But me with a tie in the presidential box? No, I can’t see myself doing that.”

The Manchester City head coach also looked back over some of his most infamous results during his 1000 games in management, and said, “With Manchester City, the [Champions League] semi-final with [Real] Madrid at home – the peak moment of this decade [at the club].”

He continued, “You remember the good moments that have been most decisive, matches played to life or death. What is true is we’ve won many. I feel sorry for rivals, but we’ve done very well. Out of 1000, we’ve won more than 700.”

Pep Guardiola’s refusal to entertain the idea of becoming Barcelona president aligns with previous interviews in which he has expressed discomfort with the political, boardroom-driven side of football.

The Catalan has consistently presented himself as a coach above all else, one fuelled by daily tactical work, player development, and the competitive cycle of elite management. Administrative or symbolic roles have never held appeal for him, and his comments only reinforce that established stance.

At Manchester City, his remarks will be interpreted as evidence that when he leaves, it will be a true departure from the sport rather than a transition into a different role within the footballing hierarchy.

This sits neatly alongside recent reporting suggesting Pep Guardiola may seek a break from the game altogether, especially given the physical and emotional toll noted during City’s difficult spell last season.

Looking ahead, the clarity around his post-Manchester City preferences may accelerate the club’s ongoing preparatory work. With figures such as Iraola reportedly “top of the shortlist” and Kompany still admired internally, the framework for a future appointment is already in motion.