What Happened to Pep Guardiola? Why Did Pep Guardiola Stop Playing?
Updated Aug 28, 2023
Who is Pep Guardiola?
Pep Guardiola, born on January 18, 1971, is a renowned Spanish football figure who has made significant contributions both as a player and a manager. Presently at the helm of Manchester City in the English Premier League, he has achieved exceptional feats throughout his career. Guardiola holds distinctive records such as being the only manager to secure the continental treble twice and being the youngest to clinch the UEFA Champions League title.
His influence is also reflected in his records for the most consecutive league victories in top-tier leagues like La Liga, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League. Acknowledged as one of the most exceptional managers in football history, his strategic prowess and achievements have garnered widespread acclaim.
During his playing days, Guardiola showcased his talents as a defensive midfielder, often operating in the role of a deep-lying playmaker. His affiliation with Barcelona is particularly notable, as he was a key component of Johan Cruyff's Dream Team that secured Barcelona's first European Cup in 1992. Guardiola played a pivotal role in the team's four successive Spanish league titles from 1991 to 1994.
His leadership qualities were exemplified when he captained the Barcelona team from 1997 until he departed in 2001. Beyond his time at Barcelona, Guardiola had footballing stints with clubs like Brescia and Roma in Italy, Al-Ahli in Qatar, and Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico. He also represented the Spanish national team on 47 occasions, participating in tournaments such as the 1994 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, in addition to featuring in friendly matches for Catalonia.
Full Name
Josep Guardiola Sala
Date of Birth
January 18, 1971
Place of Birth
Santpedor, Spain
Height
1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position
Defensive Midfielder
Spouse
Cristina Serra
Children
Maria, Màrius, Valentina
What Happened to Pep Guardiola?
Pep Guardiola is missing the Manchester City game against Sheffield United and the subsequent game against Fulham due to emergency back surgery. He had been experiencing severe back pain for some time and underwent a successful routine operation performed by Dr. Mireia Illueca in Barcelona. As a result, he will be recovering and rehabilitating in Barcelona, with assistant manager Juanma Lillo taking over coaching duties in his absence.
Guardiola's anticipated return to the touchline is expected after the forthcoming international break, and he is set to make his return on September 16 against West Ham. Manchester City released a statement wishing Guardiola a speedy recovery and expressing their eagerness to see him back in Manchester soon.
Pep Guardiola has reportedly made the decision to conclude his tenure as the manager of Manchester City when his contract expires in the summer of 2025. After signing a new deal in November, his inner circle initially had doubts about the extension, considering his previous coaching stints with Barcelona and Bayern Munich and the anticipation that he might seek opportunities in Italy after his time in England.
However, Guardiola's plans seem to have shifted, and he is now inclined to leave City after nine years, following a successful period that included achieving a treble. There is speculation that Guardiola might explore coaching an international team after his time with Manchester City.
Additionally, Guardiola is hopeful that midfielder Ilkay Gündogan will accept the new contract offer from the club, which includes a one-year deal with a 12-month option. Discussions regarding Gündogan's contract are expected to take place, with the player also considering offers from other clubs.
Why Did Pep Guardiola Stop Playing?
Pep Guardiola chose to stop playing professional football due to a combination of personal reasons and his assessment of the evolving nature of the sport. On April 11, 2001, after an illustrious 17-year career with Barcelona, he announced his decision to leave the club. Part of his rationale was rooted in the changing direction of football, which he perceived to be becoming more physically demanding.
This shift in the game's style might not have aligned with his playing characteristics and preferences. On June 24, 2001, Guardiola played his final match for Barcelona against Celta de Vigo, marking the end of his on-field career. Throughout his 12 seasons with the club's first team, he had played 479 matches and earned 16 trophies.
In his farewell press conference, he expressed contentment with his journey, proud of his accomplishments, and thankful for the friendships he had made. Guardiola's decision to stop playing came with a sense of fulfillment and a desire to carve his own path beyond the pitch.
Pep Guardiola Career
Pep Guardiola's diverse and impactful career in football spans both playing and managerial roles. In his youth, he began his journey with Gimnàstic Manresa before transitioning to Barcelona's youth academy in 1984. His senior playing career primarily centered around Barcelona, where he made significant contributions over the years. From 1990 to 2001, Guardiola played 263 matches for Barcelona's senior team, displaying his talents as a midfielder.
His playing career also took him beyond Barcelona's shores. He had stints at clubs such as Brescia and Roma, including a brief return to Brescia in 2003. He later ventured into international clubs like Al-Ahli and Dorados before eventually concluding his playing career in 2006.
Guardiola's influence extended to the international stage as well. He represented Spain, earning 47 caps and scoring 5 goals between 1992 and 2001. He also made appearances for Catalonia, playing 7 matches from 1995 to 2005.
Transitioning into management, Guardiola's career has been equally impressive. He began by managing Barcelona B from 2007 to 2008 before ascending to the head coach role for Barcelona's senior team from 2008 to 2012.
His tenure there saw remarkable success, including numerous trophies and accolades. He further showcased his managerial prowess at Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2016, before taking charge of Manchester City in 2016, where he continues to lead the team in the present day. Throughout his career, both on and off the field, Guardiola has left an indelible mark on the world of football.
Pep Guardiola Personal Life
Pep Guardiola, whose full name is Josep Guardiola Sala, was born on January 18, 1971, in Santpedor, Spain. He was raised by his parents Dolors and Valentí, alongside two older sisters and a younger brother, Pere, who is a football agent.
Guardiola is an atheist and has been in a long-standing relationship with his wife, Cristina Serra, whom he met when he was 18 years old. They tied the knot on May 29, 2014, and together they have three children: Maria, Màrius, and Valentina. After his successful tenure as Barcelona's manager, he had expressed his intention to spend time in Manhattan, New York, to contemplate his future decisions.
Notably, Guardiola's preparation for his role as the manager of Bayern Munich included an intensive language study. He dedicated four to five hours each day to learning German. However, during this period, there were instances that strained relationships, as Tito Vilanova, a close associate and former assistant manager under Guardiola at Barcelona, expressed disappointment at Guardiola's limited presence during Vilanova's treatment for throat cancer in New York.
Guardiola's personal ethos has been characterized by acts of generosity and support for causes. During his time with the Mexican club Dorados, he displayed his compassionate side by distributing cash to the lowest-paid employees at the club.
Politically, he advocates for the political independence of Catalonia, and he was involved in the pro-independence coalition, Junts pel Sí, in the 2015 regional parliamentary election. Tragically, Guardiola's mother, Dolors, passed away due to complications from COVID-19 on April 6, 2020, in a Barcelona hospital.
What Happened to Pep Guardiola - FAQs
Pep Guardiola left Barcelona as a player in 2001 due to personal reasons and a perception that football was becoming more physically demanding.
Pep Guardiola is currently managing Manchester City in the English Premier League.
Pep Guardiola's parents are Dolors and Valentí; he has two older sisters and a younger brother named Pere, a football agent.
Yes, Pep Guardiola supports the political independence of Catalonia and participated in pro-independence efforts.
Pep Guardiola's mother, Dolors, tragically passed away from complications of COVID-19 on April 6, 2020.