Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is taking a break from football management, recently spotted dining in Stockholm while turning down international and club coaching offers, according to restaurant co-owner Arman Sultani. Guardiola, 55, spent a decade leading Manchester City before stepping away from the dugout, leaving him unattached as the international football season gets underway.
Pep Guardiola’s Stockholm Visit and Restaurant Encounter
During a Friday evening visit to the Persian restaurant Coup D’etat in Stockholm, Guardiola dined with a group of friends, enjoying an evening of wine and conversation. According to restaurant co-owner Arman Sultani, the Spanish manager appeared relaxed and in good spirits throughout the night.
Sultani recalled being surprised to find the high-profile coach in the restaurant’s private dining room. The group ordered a mix of grilled dishes and small plates, including caviar and salad olivieh—a dish sharing both Persian and Spanish culinary traits. When Sultani joked that the restaurant’s version outdid Spanish recipes, Guardiola agreed the food was exceptional.
Rejecting the Barcelona Return and International Offers
Conversations during the evening touched on Guardiola’s professional future following his departure from Manchester City. Sultani, a self-described Barcelona supporter, asked the manager if he would consider returning to Camp Nou given his current free-agent status.
According to Sultani, Guardiola dismissed the idea immediately with a firm “No, no, no.” While the manager indicated he would be open to living in Barcelona, he ruled out coaching the club again, explaining that he felt too tired for the role.
Guardiola’s current break follows a high-demand summer on the coaching market. According to recent reports, the Spanish coach fielded multiple offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Italian Football Federation pursued Guardiola heavily, attempting to recruit him as the national team’s head coach, though the federation ultimately failed to secure his signature.
Did you know?
Pep Guardiola spent ten successful years at Manchester City, establishing one of the most dominant managerial tenures in modern English football history before stepping back to take a well-deserved sabbatical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pep Guardiola currently coaching a team?
No, Pep Guardiola is currently taking a break from football management following his departure from Manchester City and has not signed with any new club or national team.
Did Pep Guardiola consider returning to Barcelona?
According to restaurant co-owner Arman Sultani, Guardiola explicitly ruled out a return to manage Barcelona, stating that he is too tired to lead the team again, though he is open to living in the city.
What offers did Guardiola receive over the summer?
Guardiola was heavily pursued during the summer transfer window, receiving multiple offers from Saudi Arabian clubs and a strong approach from the Italian Football Federation to become their national team manager.
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