Guardiola Closes Barcelona Chapter Forever and Reveals Retirement Plans

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·28 luglio 2025

Guardiola Closes Barcelona Chapter Forever and Reveals Retirement Plans

Interview

Pep rules out Barça return, compares Yamal to Van Gogh, and opens up on City struggles

OneFootball Video

Guardiola Closes Barcelona Chapter Forever and Reveals Retirement Plans

Pep Guardiola's officially ruled out any future return to Barcelona calling time on that chapter of his life as both player & coach.

"It’s Over Forever"

In candid interview with GQ Magazine , the Man City boss said:

"That chapter's over forever. It was beautiful but it’s done. Return as Barcelona president? I’m not fit for that"

Guardiola also confirmed he’ll step away from coaching for indefinite period once he finishes at City:

"One year, two, three, five, ten .... I’ll stop. Maybe I’ll come back later maybe not"

🗣️🗯️ “Después del City voy a parar, está más que decidido” Guardiola tiene claro cual será futuro tras su paso por el Manchester City.
– lunedì 28 luglio 2025

Yamal vs Messi? Too Early

Touching on comparisons between Lamine Yamal & Lionel Messi, Guardiola advised patience:

"Let Yamal build his career. Comparing him to Messi's like comparing painter to Van Gogh. That alone shows he’s talented but we must let him grow"

Still, he emphasized:

"Messi was something else. We’re talking about 90 goal in season for 15 straight years. That’s another level"

Toughest City Season Yet

Reflecting on City’s recent struggles, he admitted:

"Maybe we should’ve changed more players. We went 13 or 14 game without win that never happened before. But it was valuable experience. Success can confuse you"

The Pressure Is Relentless

Guardiola also revealed the mental toll of management:

"For months , away fans screamed: He’ll be sacked in the morning No other profession has 60000 people hoping you lose your job"

He added that passion has evolved:

"Someday I’ll say: enough. No more players, tactics, press conferences .... I’ll be my own boss , no alarms, just peace. That day'll come"

Hablamos en exclusiva con Pep Guardiola y nos cuenta cuándo se va a retirar del fútbol. Lamentablemente, parece que va a ser pronto.
– domenica 27 luglio 2025

Final Thought: "I Suffer for My Players"

Guardiola ended with reflection on squad management:

"I pick 11 out of 23 every 3 day. Those who don’t play think I don’t love them. But it’s the opposite I suffer for them. That’s where the conflict starts"