How switching off has given Pep more energy for challenges ahead

BOXSETS and the backing of his bosses are giving Pep Guardiola energy in his eighth year at City.

-  SIMON BAJKOWSKI

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shocked many last week when he announced he would be leaving his role at the end of the season, citing a lack of energy after nearly nine years in the job.

His departure was quickly followed by Xavi deciding to walk away from unrelenting pressure at Barcelona.

Guardiola needed a sabbatical after four years at Barcelona and only spent three years at Bayern Munich, yet is currently signed up to nine at the Etihad and dropped in last week that he could extend. As rival managers call it a day, the Catalan appears to be stronger than ever.

Some of that is down to the support and structure of the club. Guardiola particularly appreciated the support he was given after his first season in English football ended without silverware, and spoke again yesterday of how much easier it was for him to manage here than in Barcelona.

However, the coach also believes he has improved over his career and can now do his work in less time to leave more opportunities to relax in front of a drama and recharge before seeing the players again.

Focusing less on football has allowed him to still enjoy football as he approaches the business end of his eighth year at the Etihad.