Carlo Ancelotti's theory on why Jurgen Klopp really left Liverpool speaks to Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could be inspired to follow in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps by heading for an early Premier League departure. Or at least that eventuality could be more feasible after Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts on why Klopp decided to leave Liverpool a year earlier than planned.

Klopp, 56, concluded a successful nine-year stint at Anfield this summer, during which he led the Reds to their first Premier League title in 30 years and won the Champions League. He cemented his spot as an Anfield legend in that time, but the pressure to stay successful ultimately took its toll.

The German announced in January that he was leaving Liverpool due to “running out of energy,” effectively citing burnout as the reason. And Real Madrid chief Ancelotti – who is well-versed in the demands of coaching at the top level – provided some insight into the situation.

“I don’t see any particular news, this has always been our job but the Klopp case is significant,” he told il Giornale. “The continuous pressure, the load of responsibilities become excessive burdens, the obsession takes over. It also happened to Arrigo Sacchi.”

Following City’s defeat to Manchester United in May’s FA Cup final, rumours began to circulate that Guardiola might step down when his contract at the Etihad Stadium expires. The Catalan coach has one season left on his current deal, which would also mark nine years of managing in England.

Guardiola has masterminded a golden era of success during his eight-year tenure at City, including six Premier League crowns, a Champions League title, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the club’s first European treble. With such a haul, it’s no wonder fatigue might be setting in for the 53-year-old.

The celebrated coach previously took a 12-month sabbatical after his illustrious four-year spell with Barcelona, where he secured a staggering 14 trophies. During his time off, Guardiola recharged in New York City before returning to the football world with Bayern Munich in 2013.

Guardiola openly spoke about his exhaustion when he decided to part ways with Barca, referring to his four-year stint as “an eternity” and admitting it was “very tiring.” That being said, the tactician took on a gargantuan task in his first senior coaching position.

However, his experience managing City seems to have been less taxing, or perhaps Guardiola has simply become better at managing the pressures that come with the job. Regardless, the Premier League might soon face the departure of another top-tier managerial talent after parting ways with Klopp.