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Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he could have extended his time at Manchester City but decided to step down from his managerial role at the Etihad Stadium.

The former City head coach revealed that he felt he no longer had the energy required to continue competing at the highest level, citing the demanding schedule of managing matches every three days as a key reason behind his decision.

In a recent interview, Guardiola opened up about his choice to leave, offering a candid explanation of the factors that led to his departure this summer.

Guardiola’s exit in May brought an end to one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history. During his nine years at Manchester City, the Catalan tactician guided the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, and their first UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023.

Speculation had surrounded his future for months before the official announcement, with many believing that he would stay beyond the 2025–26 season. Ultimately, Guardiola decided that it was the right time to step away from the intensity of top-flight management.

His successor, Enzo Maresca, has since taken charge at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian coach, who previously worked under Guardiola, received a personal message from Pepijn Lijnders upon his arrival, symbolising a respectful and seamless transition between managerial eras at the club.

Speaking to OKX, Guardiola explained that while his contract allowed him to remain with Manchester City for another year, the decision to leave was entirely his own. “I had one more year contract so I could’ve stayed,” he said. “But I had the feeling that I didn’t have the energy that is required to be at the top, or be demanding for games every three days.”

His admission highlights a rare moment of self-awareness from one of football’s most driven figures, reflecting the importance he places on maintaining his own standards of excellence. Guardiola acknowledged that it was not any one issue but rather the unrelenting rhythm of the fixture schedule that ultimately convinced him the time had come to move on.

By confirming that he could have stayed but chose not to, Guardiola has removed any uncertainty about the reasons behind his departure. His comments make it clear that Manchester City’s transition to the Maresca era was a planned and voluntary process, guided by his personal assessment of his capacity to continue performing at his usual high level.

Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano had previously described the managerial succession as a “thoughtful and structured process”. Guardiola’s latest remarks reinforce that statement, suggesting that the club had prepared for his eventual exit while leaving the door open for him to remain if he wished.

For Maresca, taking over a club in such a stable position—with Guardiola leaving on his own terms and at the peak of his legacy—provides an ideal foundation. Director of football Hugo Viana and the rest of the management team have benefited from a smooth and well-planned transition rather than a reaction to sudden change.

As for Guardiola’s future, speculation continues about whether he might return to management, possibly even in an international role. However, his transparent explanation of his departure from Manchester City makes it clear that the decision was made from conviction and self-awareness, not out of fatigue or failure.