“It’s more than decided” – Pep Guardiola makes major decision on future beyond Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed a major decision on his future beyond life at the Etihad Stadium, just weeks before the new 2025/26 season.

The Catalan coach, who is entering his 10th season at the helm of the Premier League giants, has long faced speculation surrounding his long-term future beyond life at the Etihad Stadium.

Now, with his contract running until the summer of 2027 following a renewal last Autumn, Pep Guardiola has provided his clearest indication yet that his time in the dugout may be nearing its conclusion.

Since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2016, the legendary tactician has overseen a transformational era, guiding the club to 18 trophies including six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, and a treble in 2022/23.

Pep Guardiola’s impact on the club’s playing style throughout the organisation, standards, and global stature has made him the most successful manager in Manchester City’s history and one of the most revered tacticians in the modern era.

In recent months, speculation has centred not just around his next club, but whether Guardiola would remain in management at all. Links to Brazil, the United States, and even a possible return to Barcelona have been widely reported – all of which now appear to be off the table, at least for the foreseeable future.

Speaking during a new interview with GQ Hype magazine, as relayed by MailSport, Pep Guardiola confirmed his intention to bring an end to his managerial career for a prolonged period of time – if not indefinitely – after his tenure at Manchester City.

“I know that after this stage with City I’m going to stop, that’s for sure, it’s decided, more than decided,” the 54-year-old insisted.

Guardiola continued, “I’m going to leave after this stage with City, because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body.”

The comments mark the second time this month that Guardiola has made clear his plans to step away from management after Manchester City. Just days ago, he emphatically ruled out a return to Barcelona, calling that chapter “over forever” in a separate media appearance.

Taken together, the statements signal a definitive shift in mindset, and perhaps a recognition that nearly two decades of high-pressure coaching across three of Europe’s biggest clubs may be nearing its natural endpoint.

For Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s decision introduces new long-term questions about succession planning. While there is no suggestion that the manager will leave before 2027, the club may now begin quietly working behind the scenes on identifying possible replacements. The likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Xabi Alonso, and Julian Nagelsmann have all been loosely linked with the eventual City job in recent years, as well as Vincent Kompany.

In the meantime, Pep Guardiola remains fully focused on the challenges ahead at the Etihad Stadium. With new signings including Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders arriving to freshen up the squad, and the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Rodri still at their peak, City are again tipped to compete for all major honours in 2025/26.