Mourinho not the reason for Pep’s exit
Pep Guardiola, Barcelona
Last week the 41-year-old announced that he was stepping down as the coach of the Catalan club, while his assistant Tito Vilanova was confirmed as the man who will take over the hot seat.
The former Barcelona player insists that his reasons for taking a break from football are personal and have nothing to do with the intense rivalry between him and Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
"Did Mourinho influence my decision to leave? Not at all,” Guardiola told reporters.
“I had other opponents as well, but other coaches don't make you tired. Day-to-day work and winning does.
Guardiola also stressed the fact that he wasn’t taking any coaching immediately after leaving Barcelona but also said he was unsure if he would return to the club in future.
"Will I again be Barca coach in the future?" I can't answer that now. I really don't know,” he said.
Guardiola is Barcelona’s most successful manager after leading the club to win 13 trophies during his tenure.
He will have an opportunity to add a 14th when they meet Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey on May 25.
{message}