“He doesn’t give himself a minute’s rest,” began former Barcelona midfielder and head coach Xavi Hernandez while speaking about Pep Guardiola. “He’s pig-headed, football is his everything, and he puts so much intensity into everything. Pep’s almost got a sickness for football.” These words from the Spanish tactician’s former disciple perfectly sum up the relentless spirit we’ve come to associate with Guardiola. And yet, they now stand in stark contrast to reality, as the man once consumed by the game is suddenly prompting the entire soccer world to echo a collective “end of an era.”

Just last year, ahead of the 2024–25 campaign, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp shocked fans by announcing his intention to take a break from coaching. This year, it’s Guardiola who has followed suit, with the writing already on the wall regarding his Manchester City exit after his contract ends in 2027. While it’s unclear when exactly he will be leaving the club, a surprising revelation makes Pep admit that he may end up taking a longer break than anticipated in his entire coaching career.

You might assume it’s only for a couple of years. But in Guardiola’s mind, the break could last far longer. “I know that after this stage with City, I’m going to stop, that’s for sure. It’s decided, more than decided,” began Guardiola while speaking to GQ Spain. “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.”

Quite understandable for a man who has been coaching since 2007. His journey began at FC Barcelona after successfully. The initial days saw him work as a Barcelona B manager for almost a year before finally taking over the main team job from Frank Rijkaard.

Surprisingly, within his first season in charge, he led the Catalonia side to an emphatic treble. Overall, in four successful seasons at Camp Nou, he clinched 14 trophies, including three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, three Spanish Super Cups, two Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.

Between 2013 and 2016, he remained at Bayern Munich, helping them win the Bundesliga title in each of those years, along with two DFB-Pokal titles, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup. After leaving the Bavarians, he signed for Manchester City, where, in his initial days, he faced certain challenges. However, with time, he managed to prove everyone wrong.

The Spanish tactician has transformed a mid-level City into one of the most dominant forces the game has ever seen. He has 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles—with a historic run of four consecutive wins—two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, and helped the team clinch their first-ever UEFA Champions League.

Under his leadership, City also secured a domestic treble and reached the iconic 100-point mark in the Premier League. Rest, many other countless records have been broken by the Sky Blues under Guardiola. But now, as this latest confession from the legendary manager has surfaced, it has left the entire soccer community divided.

Soccer world reacts as Pep Guardiola makes brutal confession!

There’s a reason why Xavi Hernandez described Pep as a “pig-headed” football obsessive. After all, it’s been over a decade of winning countless titles with three of the biggest clubs in the world, without ever taking a break from the sidelines. So, this fan agrees: Guardiola certainly deserves a break, but hopefully, not a permanent one. “A well-deserved pause for a generational genius. Pep didn’t just coach teams — he redefined the game.”

A generational genius indeed! Having introduced the simple yet exquisite tiki-taka to the football world, building upon the values of Johan Cruyff, and finally adapting to the modern game with his own twist, Guardiola has surely come far in his career. In fact, he has played a role in shaping even his rival teams and coaches. So even if Mr. Josep takes a break, his legacy and impact will still remain around for a long haul, right? “Legends know when to rest but never when to quit. Guardiola’s legacy will haunt the game for decades to come.” 

Then again, not everyone is a die-hard supporter of the former Bayern boss. And rightly so—because when your rival team has a coach who builds an invincible side and you’re left watching your own favorite team suffer, it’s only natural that fans around you won’t be too fond of him, right? “Most overrated and cynical character in football.”

Meanwhile, this fan—who definitely seems to be a Liverpool supporter—has a wild theory. According to them, after Arne Slot guided the Reds to a Premier League title in his debut season, Guardiola may have taken it to heart. Their reaction? “Arne Slot ran him out of town.” Another netizen also shared a similar reaction, writing, “Bro is running away 😂.”

Then again, putting the fun and games aside, there’s one theory that explains Pep Guardiola’s decision to step away from the game: he genuinely needs rest. Football, especially for managers, is a relentless mental grind. Perhaps the iconic tactician has simply hit a “tactical block,” and taking time off might be the best move right now. “Sounds like somebody has hit the wall,” wrote another fan.

Still, one big question remains—how long? That’s exactly what Guardiola has left everyone wondering. Until then, share your thoughts in the comments below!