Manchester City midfield general Ilkay Gündogan (34) has started to envision a coaching role when his impressive playing career eventually comes to an end. Now he has submitted an informal “application” to his current manager, Pep Guardiola.
In an exclusive interview with the German newspaper Bild, the experienced German international opens up about his future plans – although his career as an active player is unlikely to be over anytime soon.
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“I still enjoy football too much. Not just one more year, but at least two years, maybe three or four,” reveals Gündogan, whose contract with City expires in the summer of 2026.
From Bundesliga to Premier League legend
Gündogan has had an illustrious career with highlights such as:
- Bundesliga champion with Borussia Dortmund (2011/12)
- More Premier League titles with Manchester City
- Champions League Win 2022/23
- Important piece in City’s historic treble season
- 73 caps for Germany
Learn from the Master
With a view to a future coaching role, Gündogan is looking to his current manager in particular as inspiration:
“There is probably nothing better than starting as Pep’s assistant. Examples in recent years have shown that this can be an excellent path into the coaching profession,” he explains.
Gündogan points to former Guardiola assistants such as Mikel Arteta (now Arsenal manager) and Enzo Maresca (Chelsea manager) as proof that this is a good career path.
Although he has not yet made direct contact with Guardiola about this, he admits:
“Being Pep’s assistant would be very tempting for me. I’ve learned so much from him already as a player.”
Future Plans
While Gündogan still has several years left as a top player, he is starting to shape plans for life after his career:
- Wants to utilize his broad experience from German and English top-flight football
- Sees Guardiola’s philosophy as ideal in particular
- Open to both assistant roles and possibly own coaching assignments
With his technical understanding, leadership skills and experience from the very highest level of football, Gündogan seems to have all the prerequisites to succeed in the coaching role – when the day finally comes.
For now, City fans can look forward to several years of the experienced German’s precise passing and tactical intelligence in midfield.
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