Perhaps the most obvious aspect revealed in Pep Guardiola's interview with GQ was fatigue. The thrilling lines about him considering a 15-year break do not fully reflect exactly what he said.
Instead, the real answer is: "I don't know how long I will be out: a year, two years, three years, five years, ten, fifty years. I don't know. But I will leave after my time with Man City, because I need to stop to focus on myself, on my body".
Although his words can be interpreted in many ways, the fatigue that Guardiola shows is very clear. That is an undeniable sign of a coach who has devoted himself to it for many years.
To some extent, this is not too surprising. Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he is exhausted after nearly 15 seasons leading Dortmund and Liverpool, not to mention the previous 7 years at Mainz. He finally decided to leave the coaching position last summer.
For Guardiola, fatigue was also evident at times in the last season, especially the period when The Citizens declined for 4 months before Christmas. At that time, Man City suffered an alarming loss of form.
According to Guardiola himself, the decision to extend his contract until the summer of 2027 last November was partly due to a sense of guilt towards the team during that period of decline.
"The problems we have encountered in the past month make me feel that this is not the right time to leave," said the Spanish captain.
However, City's difficulties at that time were just the beginning and things got even worse.
There may be two ways of looking at it. On the one hand, it is rare and admirable for a manager to feel deeply responsible for his club like Guardiola.
Many other coaches are willing to accept compensation and leave the crisis for their successors. Guardiola, on the other hand, chose to stay, face and carry.
However, on the other hand, it is difficult to see this as a positive signal. A coach with up to 2 years left on his contract is looking forward to a long break as a release.
The work of a coach is truly a wore journey. The most noteworthy thing about the interview when the factor that made Guardiola feel down the most was not professional pressure. Instead, there were shouts from opposing fans that he would be "sacked tomorrow morning".
A mockery that seemed unpaid and un punished makes a veteran and successful coach like Guardiola feel hurt.
Guardiola may not have left the top, but that peak will not last forever. His coaching career rarely ends suddenly. It does not stop at a clear moment, but often fade over time.
After 17 years at the top of European football, Guardiola is starting to feel tired. And that could be the first sign of decline. Of course, this does not mean that he and Man City will immediately lose their position.
In fact, Guardiola's current ability is still enough to help the team win another national championship. But it is undeniable that no dynasty has lasted forever.
