Pep Guardiola has disclosed that fatigue and a desire for a new challenge played a major role in his decision to depart Manchester City after spending a historic 10 years in charge of the club. 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.
Guardiola
Man City’ll Not See ‘best’ Rodri Until Next Season – Guardiola
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will have to wait until next season to see the best of Rodri again as the Spanish midfielder slowly finds his feet after knee surgery. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner missed last weekend’s 5-1 win over Burnley due to pain in the knee — 12 months after he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage. The 29-year-old made his return in May but has suffered a series of minor setbacks. “Rodri is an outstanding player, everyone knows it,” said Guardiola on Friday. “Maybe he struggled to understand it’s not about six months or 12, the World Cup will be the best Rodri, and next season will be the best Rodri. This year is how to handle it. “One year he has been out. The body changes, the rhythm changes, it’s a question of time; if he’s healthy, he will be back.” To cover Rodri’s absence, City splashed out £50 million ($67 million) on Nico Gonzalez in January, but he has struggled to match the levels of his compatriot. The former Barcelona midfielder replaced Rodri for the final 30 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Monaco and conceded a late penalty that cost City victory. “He’s learning and improving. We need him”, said Guardiola, referring to Gonzalez. “Rodri can’t sustain the rhythm for games for 90 minutes. He made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli, and especially Arsenal. “I try to protect my players. Sometimes I want the best players there, but I have to protect the players.” Despite dropping two points in Monaco, a draw extended City’s unbeaten run to six games in all competitions. City suffered their first trophyless campaign for eight years last season, and Guardiola is encouraged by the progress he sees after refreshing his squad with several younger players. “The happiest feeling is how we have improved. I love that feeling. And the feeling that I think we can do better,” he said. “That is the feeling that I like as a manager. The feeling we are creating again — the tempo, the pace. “Everything is a little bit more fluid and consistent. But we can do better, and I love that.” City, who sit five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, travel to Brentford on Sunday. AFP