Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has opened up about the challenges that led to his departure from the club in 2012, Soccernet.football reports.
Guardiola, who led Barcelona to a record 14 trophies in just four seasons, has now revealed that the daily strain of the job eventually took its toll, despite the unprecedented success he achieved with his Barcelona team.
In an interview with SPORT, Guardiola, now the manager of Manchester City, described the environment at Barcelona as unrelenting and sometimes self-destructive.
Reflecting on his experience, he highlighted how the pressures inside the club often came not from outside but from within.
“It’s always been that way, and it always will be. We’ve all experienced it,” he shared. “Here, the shots come from all sides, every day. But the ones that hurt most come from within.
“Every day there are small battles within Barça. In the end, you realize the only thing that matters is convincing your players of your ideas and what you believe should be done. As for the rest, it’s best not to get involved for the sake of your own health.”
Guardiola suggested that the club’s environment can be particularly draining, with constant scrutiny that can undermine a manager’s work.
“The danger of daily fatigue that comes from trying to manage Barça’s environment,” he noted, adding that the “constant undermining of what you do eventually takes its toll.”
Even with these difficulties, Guardiola remains passionate about Barcelona’s distinctive footballing philosophy. He believes the club’s identity should remain intact, emphasizing its unique character.
“From my perspective, Barça should not change its model. From the outside, everyone sees Barça as something different. This club exudes charisma, a unique essence. What greater compliment could you receive?”
A native of Catalonia, Guardiola’s deep connection to Barcelona runs through his coaching and playing career. After retiring as a player, he briefly managed Barcelona B, winning the Tercera División title before taking charge of the first team in 2008.
In his debut season, he led Barcelona to a historic treble-winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, making him the youngest manager to win Europe’s top club competition.
His achievements earned him the FIFA World Coach of the Year title in 2011. By the time he left in 2012, Guardiola had set a club record with 14 titles, sealing his legacy as one of Barcelona’s greatest-ever managers.