Pep Guardiola claims learning how to switch off has made him a better coach than EVER after Jurgen Klopp said he had ran out of energy… as the Man City claims he is not as obsesssive as his Barcelona days
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Pep Guardiola claimed he is a better coach than ever as the Premier League prepares for an era without Manchester City’s great rival Jurgen Klopp.
Guardiola’s contract expires at the end of next season, his ninth at City, but he revealed last week he could extend that contract even further.
Chasing a record fourth straight win, the Catalan looks as energetic as at any time during his reign at the Etihad Stadium. He believes teaching himself how to quit has extended his career.
“I’m more of a quality manager when it comes to selecting the best time to work and to disconnect,” Guardiola said. ‘When I started in Barcelona I was (obsessive), but now I can sit on the sofa and watch TV and not think about football.
‘That helps me, because afterwards I feel more like reconnecting. I used to think all the time because I thought I was missing something. I understood that was a mistake. I have learned. It’s simple.’
Pep Guardiola insists he is a better manager than ever after learning how to quit
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he would resign as Liverpool boss – saying he ‘had no energy left’
Klopp admitted his energy had been sapped by the rigors of managing Liverpool, while Guardiola insisted a number of factors will play a role in discussions over his future.
“Winning helps you have more energy, when you lose matches you are more tired,” the 53-year-old added.
‘I see the team improving and playing against difficult opponents, like Goodison Park after the Club World Cup, or against Newcastle or Spurs, and when I saw how the team behaved I got the feeling: ‘Wow, we are still always together, we are on the same path.” .
“We will have to look at the players, their behavior and our standards. Whether the players follow me, whether I’m tired or not. Renewing after two years is not the same as renewing after nine years. It’s completely different. I’m still here and I’m doing well.’
Guardiola – who welcomes Erling Haaland back against Burnley on Wednesday evening after almost two months of absence with a foot injury – is reunited with former captain Vincent Kompany.
The Burnley manager was once mentioned as a potential successor at his former club and believes City should keep Guardiola for the next 20 years.
Guardiola said he was less obsessive than his Barcelona days but has more of a desire to ‘reconnect’
“I know from City’s perspective, if you can keep him for another 20 years, keep him,” said the Belgian.
‘Whatever you have to do to keep it fresh. For my part, I wish these guys longevity because they make the game better. You sometimes see people as superhuman.’
Despite the stress that comes with Premier League management, Kompany does not think it is impossible to repeat Sir Alex Ferguson’s 27-year run at Manchester United.
“I see it, like I said, it’s a very personal thing,” he said. ‘I’m sure Sir Alex came into his life at similar times and discovered what gave him that extra bit of ‘I’m ready to go again’.
‘Sometimes it’s reinventing yourself, sometimes it’s reinventing your staff or your team. I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson not too long ago and it didn’t feel like he had retired! He was still as sharp as they come and had that fire.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed that Kyle Walker will retain the City captaincy despite revelations about his private life.
