Manchester City fans know Pep Guardiola as a passionate leader who demands the best, but the manager has now revealed just how tough the pressure can be on his mental health.
Speaking honestly, Guardiola said: “I want to suffer when I don’t win.
“I want to lose sleep, I want to feel terrible. I want to get angry, stop eating, I need to feel that rage within me; because if I don’t, what’s the point?
“And when you win, the wine tastes sweeter.”
Guardiola has faced an incredibly challenging year; he was spotted with bleeding cuts on his face during Man City’s struggles in the Champions League.
This constant pressure can be deeply damaging, leading to anxiety, emotional pain, and self-harm, as Guardiola himself admitted during a tough, trophyless season.
The stress hasn’t just stayed on the pitch. Guardiola has faced personal challenges too, with reports of a possible divorce, though now he’s working on reconciling with his wife.
His story is a reminder to everyone that behind the success and excitement, even top managers battle with real mental struggles.
The relentless pressure to succeed can wear down mental health, causing exhaustion, mood swings, and strained relationships. Guardiola’s honesty shows why mental health matters just as much as trophies.