Portugal Colonial - Man City needed 'new energy' as Guardiola seeks break from coaching

After amassing 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League, Guardiola will step aside following Sunday's clash at home to Aston Villa.

"I think the club needs a new manager, new energy with these incredible players that we have right now and you start to write another chapter," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference.

"I feel I will not have the energy that requires, (matches) every three days, the expectations to fight for the titles, with being in front of the players."

Guardiola will remain associated with the club as a global ambassador for the City Football Group.

However, he ruled out an immediate return to the game in a coaching role.

Since taking charge of Barcelona in 2008, the 55-year-old has had just one year out of the sport, when he took a sabbatical in New York before joining Bayern Munich in 2013.

"I will not train for a while," added Guardiola.

"It's not 10 years. I've been, except have a year in New York, I've been 17, 18 years, every three days, three days, three days, three days.

"I need to breathe a little bit, and relax. I'll be a while, that is my feeling right now."

P.Serra--PC