Pep Guardiola denies the firm decision to say goodbye

Star coach Pep Guardiola has denied that he will definitely leave the English champions Manchester City when his contract expires in 2023. However, the 50-year-old made it clear that he intends to take a break from football if his involvement with the club comes to an end.

“I am not thinking of leaving in two years. I can leave in two months if the results are not good or the top management is not satisfied with me. I can leave in three months or five years,” said Guardiola on Friday: “At the moment I have no reasons to go.”

Two days earlier, the former Bayern coach had been quoted by various Brazilian media in a zoom circuit as part of a Brazilian economic forum that he would break his tent at the Skyblues by 2023 at the latest to train a selection team.

“I think after seven years I have to take a break,” Guardiola was quoted as saying, with a view to his next career goal: “A national team, yes. The next step will be a national team if there is the possibility.”

Guardiola has been a Citizens trainer since 2016. In his tenure so far, the successful coach City has led to three championships and a cup win. Last November Guardiola extended his contract in Manchester by two years until the end of the 2022/23 season.