Intense Guardiola needs a break... and will take one if City claim Euro glory

PEP GUARDIOLA has had unparalleled success, but it came at a cost.

The Spaniard does not work to live, he lives to work and at 48 has won 27 trophies at three different clubs.

The one that continues to elude him as Manchester City boss is the European Cup. He has not had his hands on it since 2011, which might be the single reason he wants to stay at the Etihad – for now at least.

But the clock is ticking, not just on winning the biggest club prize of all again, but on his desire to keep fulfilling the demands of owners and fans who always want more.

There will come a time when the best manager in world football wants a challenge away from the Etihad. And those close to him believe he could decide to leave at the end of next season if he wins the Champions League.

Guardiola once said: “If I see it’s not possible to improve the team, or if I’m not happy any more, or when I feel I’m not good or don’t have energy – and me without energy, I’m not good. Sometimes the time decides for you.”

Since Guardiola took charge in 2016 he has sent

Jose Mourinho packing from Manchester United and won an epic Premier League slugfest with his new challenger, Jurgen Klopp.

In doing so, he has lifted five major trophies.

Guardiola makes it clear to his players his legion of coaches, technical analysts, statisticians and doctors are there for them 24 hours a day.

They take their lead from a man who is the first to arrive for work and last to leave. After clinching the title against Brighton last month, he was at City’s training complex just after 8am the following day.

But even he has a breaking point. He quit Barcelona in 2012 admitting he needed to “recharge the batteries”.

He admitted previously: “You can win everything and it’s not enough. Results dictate how long you stay, but sometimes you breathe and need new experiences. The best way sometimes is to take a step back and let others come with fresh ideas and minds.”