'A Surprise Confession' Guardiola: "I'm Divorced, But What About You..." Even a Verbal Assault, What Exactly Happened?

*This content was translated by AI.

Even world-class managers are human after all. Pep Guardiola (55), the former Manchester City manager renowned as one of history's greatest tacticians, was revealed to have passionately poured out his innermost feelings to players amid poor results and personal pain in a locker room incident previously kept under wraps.

Sports outlet 'The Athletic' reported on the 18th (Korean time) while spotlighting Manchester City's documentary series 'Beautiful Obsession', detailing the full story of Guardiola's locker room conflicts, tears, and divorce confession that had long been shrouded in secrecy.

According to media reports, after suffering a 7th loss in 10 matches following a defeat to Juventus in December 2024, Manager Guardiola stood before players in the away locker room and personally shared news of his divorce.

Guardiola, amidst profanity, declared: "Guys, I have something to confess. I am divorced from my ex-wife, who was once the most beautiful woman on this planet and my wife." He added, "I loved her beyond belief, but we lost our passion."

Continuing while suppressing his emotions, Guardiola chided the team's complacent attitude: "How are you playing football? Are you just showing up at the stadium, or are you running for something deep within your hearts? Whatever you do in life, give it your all. I don't want players who are merely good; I want players with passion."

Manel Estiarte, Guardiola's right-hand man and Manchester City player support coach at the time, visited the depressed locker room directly, urging players to understand the manager's situation: "Pep looked extremely sensitive and sad because he is a weak human being going through a divorce process."

The documentary also captured Guardiola's raw emotions and conflicts. Immediately following a 0-2 defeat to Liverpool in December 2024, he clashed with captain Kyle Walker. When Guardiola pointed out Walker's mistake, Walker strongly protested, saying, "You only call my name at every meeting." Guardiola, tears welling up, replied, "If I'm the problem, say it. I'm not staying here for money. But my love for you has never changed for even a second."

When losing 0-2 to Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola also unleashed harsh profanities at players dissatisfied with rotation. He stated, "I come in at 8 AM and spend hours thinking about tactics that will reach your hearts, yet you give me nothing back. Anyone who complains about my methods and shows rotten expressions won't be tolerated." He further expressed extreme anger: "I sacrifice my life, divorce, and separated family to work for you, yet your performance is utterly shameful." Immediately after this match, Manchester City chairman Khaled Al Mubarak could not contain his anger and refused to speak with Guardiola.

Additionally, scenes were captured where Guardiola fiercely criticized Erling Haaland during halftime of the FA Cup final: "Are you tired? If you're not, why aren't you fighting for every ball in the final? I love you like a son, but prove your will to win on the field."

Even until the moment he left Manchester City, Guardiola endured deep anguish. During filming of his farewell interview video, he broke down in tears. After leaving the team, he stated, "Winning can extend a contract, but it cannot become a result of happiness. Personally, I have experienced many things and now need rest to sit quietly and watch time pass."

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*This content was translated by AI.