Pep Guardiola has opened up about his post-Manchester City plans after announcing his departure from the Premier League club. It brings the curtain down on a glittering 10-year stint as manager, with Guardiola having won 20 trophies in just under 600 games.
However, his farewell from City is only a partial one, given the club announced he'd take up the role as Global Ambassador for the City Football Group. A statement from City read: "Despite his departure as Manager of Manchester City, Pep will continue his relationship with the City Football Group, by taking up a role as a Global Ambassador. The role will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations."
When asked about what comes next, he explained: "Rest! No plans for training for a while. Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back. I will not train for a while." When we talk I say I would love to continue to be a part of this club. Not manager.
"I will not take any decisions. Just to be part of the club, to represent. Not in the daily decisions, not in front of the squad, always behind the scenes."
When pushed on if it was the same as Jurgen Klopp, who claimed he was too tired to continue, Guardiola added: "Absolutely.
"I feel I will not have the energy every day, with expectations to fight for the title. I know myself, I have that energy but I feel like I will not have [in the future]. It's been 10 years. It's not ambition. After 10 years, ok Pep. It's good to shake, to move, new faces. It's the perfect moment, the perfect time."
A statement from City read: "The Catalan, who joined City in July 2016, has had a transformative effect during his ten years in charge, and will leave having won 20 major trophies - making him the most successful Manager in our history.
"Despite his departure as Manager of Manchester City, Pep will continue his relationship with the City Football Group, by taking up a role as a Global Ambassador. The role will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations."
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