After nearly a decade of dominance, Pep Guardiola has been urged by one of his closest allies to find a new challenge.
Pep Guardiola has conquered England, Europe, and just about every tactical puzzle football could throw at him. But now, one of his closest friends believes it’s time for him to pack his bags — at least metaphorically.
Carles Planchart, Guardiola’s long-time performance analyst and confidant, has urged the Manchester City boss to “look for a new project” after nearly ten years at the Etihad.
Speaking to Sport, Planchart revealed he believes every football project has a natural lifespan, and that even the great Pep shouldn’t stay beyond it.
“It’s a personal decision he’ll have to make,” Planchart said.
“I think a project should last five or six years, no more. But not for him, for everyone. Afterwards, you have to regenerate. As a friend, I would tell him to look for a new project because he still has a long way to go.”
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Is this the beginning of the end for Pep Guardiola?
Planchart, who has worked alongside Guardiola since their Barcelona days, recently left Manchester City after nearly two decades at his side.
He admitted his decision to leave was quick, saying he no longer felt part of the project. That move now looks symbolic — the first domino to fall in what could be the final chapter of Pep’s City story.
Guardiola’s trophy cabinet speaks for itself: six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, and a Champions League crown that sealed City’s treble in 2023.
If success were a football pitch, Pep has played every blade of grass.
Still, the Catalan mastermind has previously hinted he might one day manage a national team, possibly at a World Cup — though a return to Barcelona is off the table.
“It’s over. It was very beautiful, but it’s over now,” Guardiola said earlier this year when asked about coaching the Blaugrana again.
As City march through another unbeaten run, the idea of Pep walking away feels hard to imagine. Yet, if football has taught us anything, it’s that even dynasties eventually reset.
Could Guardiola really be nearing the end of his City reign — or is this just another mind game from Team Pep?
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