World's top coach Pep Guardiola (54) will step down.
ESPN Brazil reported on the 3rd, "Pep Guardiola is looking to wrap up his 18-year managerial career. He announced that he will retire after his contract with Manchester City ends in 2027."
Having taken charge of Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola signed a contract extension last November until 2027. He rose to become the world's best coach, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League titles with Barcelona, three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, and six Premier League titles and one Champions League title with Manchester City.
There is no more perfect coach than this. Guardiola has achieved three La Liga titles and two Champions League titles with Barcelona, three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, six Premier League titles with Manchester City, and one Champions League title, totaling 40 championships across three teams.
However, this season, Manchester City failed to secure a fifth consecutive league title, falling behind Liverpool. Manchester City also failed to win the Champions League, and is taking a break.
Guardiola noted, "I want to stop when my contract with Manchester City ends. I'm not sure if I will retire, but I want to rest. I don't know how I will be remembered. I had fun managing at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, which many coaches desire. But there are more important things in life, like family."
Ultimately, Guardiola has experienced success as a coach, but it seems that a longing for a private life has led to his 'burnout.' For similar reasons, rival coach Jürgen Klopp also stepped down from managing Liverpool at the end of last season.
Of course, it's not immediate. Guardiola will remain in charge of Manchester City until 2027. But what should he plan for afterward? Manchester City is also feeling confused about this.
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