Pep Guardiola says he may retire this season because Man City is “struggling.”

Pep Guardiola has admitted that he may “retire” as Manchester City’s title defense falters.

Since his arrival in 2016, the Spaniard has presided over an unprecedented period of success at the Etihad Stadium. He has five Premier League titles to his name, the most recent of which was part of last season’s historic treble.

Guardiola stated ahead of his team’s midweek trip to Aston Villa that if City repeats the feat, he may end his managerial career. “If we win the treble this season, I’ll retire,” the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager said in an interview with Amazon Prime Video Sport.

“There’s no doubt about it. I understand how difficult it is, how many incredible teams there have been in England and only one with Sir Alex Ferguson has done it, and ourselves last season.

“When we talked, we said to prepare well for the first game and how we try to do it, then the second, and now the third.” We will see our level, and the competition itself dictates your level, the opponent dictates, the challenge is higher, but forget about the title in September, October, and November.”

Guardiola and City’s chances of completing another treble were severely harmed at Villa Park. Their defeat was sealed by Leon Bailey’s strike.

It is now more than a month since they have won in the Premier League. Following their dramatic late victory over Luton Town, Guardiola’s side now sit fourth, six points behind current leaders Arsenal.

“The better team won,” City manager Pep Guardiola admitted after the defeat to Villa. “I told the players, ‘This happens in football.'” I know you wanted to win, and I know you tried, as you have repeatedly demonstrated to me and everyone else.’

“The results are no longer as good as they were previously.” I’ll have to consider it. I need to sleep, reflect, and watch the games to see how the players [did] with this one.

“It was extremely difficult because they are extremely physical and have complete control over many aspects.” That is why they are up there, playing good football, while we are not.

“It’s my duty, my job, to find a way out of this situation because for many years we were able to find a way to play games – sometimes playing well, sometimes not, but always finding a way – and now we’re struggling.” We must alter the dynamic.”

City return to action this weekend when they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town. In their final Champions League group game before facing Crystal Palace, they face Crvena Zvezda.