News Focus
- Hansi Flick has called Pep Guardiola the best manager in the world following his decision to leave Manchester City.
- Guardiola will exit the Etihad after ten years, six Premier League titles, and one Champions League trophy.
- The Catalan coach says he is exhausted and plans to rest without taking a new job for some time.
- Manchester City will honour Guardiola with a statue and a named stand at the stadium.
- Flick joked he could not manage Barcelona for a decade, noting he will be 70 years old by then.
Hansi Flick has told Pep Guardiola to take a long rest after the Manchester City boss confirmed he will step down from his role. The Barcelona head coach spoke during his final press meeting of the season, where he praised Guardiola’s ten-year spell in English football.
Flick described Guardiola’s achievement as unbelievable. He said keeping a team at the highest level for a decade is something he could not imagine doing himself. The German coach laughed when asked if he might stay at the Camp Nou for ten years, saying he will be too old at 70.
Guardiola left his post at City on Friday after reports emerged earlier in the week. The club plans to build a statue of him outside the ground and will name one of the stands after him. During his time in the Premier League, he won six league crowns and the Champions League.
Flick said Guardiola’s teams always play top-level football and find ways to beat opponents. He hopes the Spanish coach enjoys a proper break before considering a return to the dugout.
Guardiola told reporters he has no energy left and needs time away from the game. He ruled out taking a new job immediately, stating he must step back to recover. In the past, there were rumours linking him to jobs with Brazil and England, but for now he plans to rest.