“I’m a wreck, everything hurts” – Pep Guardiola admits physical toll of managerial career | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed the physical toll that his top-level managerial career has had on him, speaking with GQ Magazine.

Now heading into his 10th season in charge at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola remains one of football’s most intense and meticulous figures, but even he admits the demands of his role have taken a visible and painful toll.

The Catalan coach has overseen a period of historic success in Manchester, including six Premier League titles, but also weathered the mental and physical stress that comes with the expectation of near-constant perfection.

The 2024/25 campaign was among Pep Guardiola’s most challenging yet, as City suffered a drop in domestic form during the winter and were forced into a late-season battle for top four, rather than the usual pursuit of silverware. The pressure to manage injuries, maintain standards, and regenerate the squad all played into the narrative of a gruelling year.

Guardiola recently reaffirmed his intention to see out his contract at Manchester City, which runs until the summer of 2027, but continues to leave the door open regarding his longer-term future in football.

Now, speaking to GQ Spain this week ahead of Manchester City’s return to pre-season training in the lead up to the 2025/26 season, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on his biological age after Cristiano Ronaldo personally felt that he is 28-years-old in a recent interview.

“As I am now, I’m 75 years old [laughs]. I’m a wreck, everything hurts right now,” Guardiola told the magazine.

The Manchester City manager continued, “So, if it’s my biological age… Maybe if I take the test, I’ll come out younger.

“I hope to be better than I am now in a while. That’s why I need places like this to get better.”

Guardiola’s words come as City gear up for another high-pressure campaign with lofty expectations both domestically and in Europe, leading a new-look squad through pre-season with fresh additions including Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, and further reinforcements still being considered.

The City boss is expected to address supporters directly at the upcoming ‘City Are Back’ event at the Joie Stadium on August 5, where his mood and energy may provide further insight into how he is approaching the challenges ahead.

Despite the wear and tear of nearly two decades on the touchline, Pep Guardiola’s passion for the game continues to burn brightly, but his recent comments serve as another reminder that even the most successful managers are not immune to the personal cost of elite-level football.