Pep Guardiola has opened up on his future as Man City manager with a strange analogy.
Having dropped the bombshell that his plans for when he leaves are ‘decided’, the Spaniard explained his thinking with a phrase his grandfather used to use.
The 54-year-old told GQ Espana: ‘I know that after this stage with City I’m going to stop, that’s for sure, it’s decided, more than decided. I don’t know how long I’ll stop for, a year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen, I don’t know.
‘But I’m going to stop after this stage with City, because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body, on… In Catalan, they say badar. Badar, badar, badar… I want to do this, simply stop and watch the cows go by when the train goes by.
‘My grandfather used to say, you look at me like cows watch the train go by. Well, that’s it, you have to stop and watch it go by.
‘And then life… I had never thought that I would coach, that I would go to Germany to coach, to England, and be the coach of Barcelona, or that I would play for Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola admitted he is ready to step away from football when he leaves Manchester City
54-year-old insisted he intends on ‘focusing on myself’ when his career in the dugout is over
‘We think we’re in control, but no, something’s bound to happen that’ll put something in front of me, and I’ll say: “Oh, do I want to do this or not?” And if not, well, I’ll figure it out. And I think my plan now is this: stop, stop… And then we’ll see.’
As City suffered a dramatic slump in form during the midway point of last season, speculation mounted that Guardiola would call time on his illustrious spell in charge of the club.
It is understood that club chiefs began tentative planning for a future without the Catalan in charge, while Guardiola received contact from the FA about the then-vacant England job.
However, in November the former Barcelona boss agreed an extension to his current deal with the club, keeping him at the Etihad until 2027.
While speculation has consistently linked Guardiola with some of the top jobs in world football after his time in Manchester comes to an end, the 54-year-old recently revealed that he will instead look to step away from football when the time comes.
Guardiola also reflected on his decision to leave Barcelona in 2012 after leading the club to 14 trophies during his four seasons in charge at the Nou Camp.
He continued: ‘I think I know how to stop at the right moment. The same thing happened to me with my coaching job [at Barcelona], there came a time when I said enough is enough. I’m going to look for another challenge.’
Despite a dismal period that saw them drop as low as seventh in the Premier League table, Guardiola’s side recovered to ultimately secure Champions League football.
Guardiola also reflected on his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the 2011-12 campaign
‘When you win six Premier Leagues, there comes a time when you go down,’ he added.
‘That’s human nature. Then, we probably should have moved more players, but it’s very easy to say that afterwards…’
With the return of the Premier League now just weeks away, City have wasted little time strengthening their squad in the transfer market.
Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri completed a £33.7million move to the Etihad from Wolves last month, with Lyon winger Rayan Cherki following days later.
City have also completed the signings of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan from Rosenberg.
However, while Guardiola’s squad is brimming with talent, the question of who will start between the sticks for the Citizens next season remains a mystery.
Guardiola also looked back on the dismal run that saw City slip down the Premier League table last season
Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson has long been the club’s No 1 but has been increasingly linked with a move away from the club.
Meanwhile Ederson’s long-time understudy Stefan Ortega is expected to leave City this summer in search of first-team minutes.
As a result, the club are reportedly prepared to re-sign 22-year-old James Trafford from Burnley.
Trafford emerged from City’s academy before joining the Clarets in a deal that included a ‘matching clause’ allowing City first refusal to match any bid offered by a rival suitor.
Guardiola’s side have reportedly done just that after igniting their interest in Trafford recently, with the goalkeeper in favour of a move to City over Newcastle. The deal is expected to be completed soon.
