MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola said he knew the end was near when he felt the energy that had driven him for a decade slipping away, as the Manchester City manager delivered an emotional explanation for his departure ahead of Sunday’s Premier League finale.
The club confirmed on Friday that Guardiola would step down after Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa, marking the end of a decade that transformed City into one of the dominant forces in the game.
“Absolutely,” Guardiola said, when asked if he was running out of energy. “What I have to have, I will not have.
“I feel I will not have the energy that is required, (games) every three days, the expectations to fight for titles, to be in front of the players. I know myself. I have that energy (now), but I feel I will not have it in the future.”
The 55-year-old Spaniard delivered the news to his players on Friday morning and admitted to being overwhelmed by the moment.
“The speech was a disaster. I was so nervous, more than ever,” he said.
“The question is (the job) requires that passion and energy I’ve always had since I was a little boy, but now I feel I won’t have it in the future,” he told them. “I have to be honest with myself, but especially with the club that gave me everything.”
Sunday’s game means little to either City or fourth-placed Villa, with both teams clinching Champions League qualification for next year, and City unable to beat Arsenal to the league title.
Instead, it will be an emotional farewell for fans after a decade that saw Guardiola and the team deliver sustained domestic dominance, including four consecutive league titles, and 20 trophies. Guardiola said his decision was driven not by a loss of ambition but by a recognition that the cycle had run its course.
“It is time. It’s 10 years,” he said. “It’s not because I’m not ambitious or I don’t want to try again. It’s not good in an organisation to have people for many years. It’s good to shake, new faces. It’s really good for everyone.”
He leaves with City still competing at the top, describing the current campaign as among the most satisfying.
“This season has been exceptional, fighting against Arsenal until the last moment, winning two titles (FA Cup and League Cup), fighting every game. It’s the perfect moment.”
Looking ahead, Guardiola made clear he plans to step away from football for the foreseeable future.
“Now rest. No plans for training for a while,” he said. “Otherwise I would stay here. I need to step back.
“This job, every few days, for many, many years, Selhurst Park, Anfield, Madrid, the FA Cup — now I have to live my life and see what happens.”
Guardiola spoke warmly about his time at City, describing it as “the experience of my life” and expressing gratitude for the support he received.
Sunday’s match at the Etihad will mark the end of an era, with tributes already pouring in, including messages from longtime Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and City’s former club captain Kevin De Bruyne.
Guardiola said he was also proud to have his 94-year-old father Valenti in attendance.
Asked about the club’s plans to rename the Etihad Stadium’s North Stand after him, Guardiola struggled to contain his emotions.
“Speechless,” he told reporters, who gave him a standing ovation to end his press conference. “I like to think my vibe and my energy will be there forever.”
Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2026
