BREAKING: Pep Guardiola’s Reason For Leaving Man City Made Public

According to a report by FootballTransfers on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Manchester City at the end of the season was largely motivated by exhaustion, as revealed by midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

The Spaniard’s future had been the subject of intense speculation for several months before he officially announced earlier this month that he would step down this summer. Rumours gained further momentum in January after Chelsea dismissed Enzo Maresca, who had already emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Guardiola at City.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Reijnders disclosed the reason Guardiola gave his players for his departure, explaining that the manager felt drained by the emotional demands of constantly having to leave players out of the squad.

“He told us he no longer had the energy to disappoint players when they were not selected or not getting game time. After ten years, he felt it was enough, and I can understand that,” the Dutch international said.

Reijnders also praised Guardiola’s remarkable influence and demanding approach, describing him as both a football genius and an intensely committed coach who constantly pushes his players to reach the highest level.

While expressing admiration for Guardiola, Reijnders admitted it was disappointing to work under him for only one season but acknowledged that the decision ultimately belonged to the manager.

The circumstances closely mirror Guardiola’s departure from Barcelona in 2012. After four highly successful years with the Catalan club, he stepped away, citing burnout and the relentless pressure of top-level football management.

At the time, Guardiola explained that he needed a break after years of constant matches, mounting expectations, and limited rest. He stressed that coaches require energy, passion, and balance in life to perform at their best.

Those remarks now appear particularly relevant as he prepares to bring an end to a decade-long spell at Manchester City, where sustained success has seemingly come with a significant personal cost.

Although City never publicly indicated Guardiola was considering leaving, the muted reaction to the announcement suggests the club had long been aware that his tenure was approaching its end.

Notably, Guardiola’s farewell reflections at Barcelona may also offer insight into his current mindset. He previously stated that his successor would possess qualities and energy he no longer had.

That successor is widely expected to be Enzo Maresca. While Manchester City have not yet confirmed the appointment, reports suggest the Italian has already agreed to a three-year contract to replace the club’s most successful manager.