Guardiola clarifies comments about taking a break from managing football

MANCHESTER, England - Pep Guardiola has vowed to take a break from football when his time at Manchester City is over, but stifled speculation that he is leaving the club any time soon in a pre-game interview on Friday.

Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension with City in November, raised eyebrows when he told ESPN Brasil: I want people to remember me however they want. After my contract with City, Im going to stop. Im sure. I dont know if Im going to retire, but Im going to take a break.

The 54-year-old clarified the comments ahead of Citys Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Nooo! No, no, no I didnt say Im leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes, Guardiola told Sky Sports.

But Im saying when I finish my time here, I dont know in one year, two years, three years, four years, five years, six years - I dont know - I will take a break. I wont retire but I will take a break, for sure.

City had kicked off the season hoping to win a record-fifth successive Premier League title, but the team has had a rough season and were fourth in the table before Friday nights game, 21 points behind Liverpool who clinched the title last weekend.

Do you know what it means in football to have a two-year contract for managers? Its an eternity! Guardiola told Sky at Etihad Stadium.

What Im saying is when I finish here, I will take a break. I need to make a stop, thats all. But still we are here to beat Wolves. REUTERS

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