Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has shed light on his plans to enter management at the end of his playing career.
It is testament to Pep Guardiola’s astounding legacy as a coach that those who have worked closely with him have in recent years gone on to become excellent managers..
The finest examples include the likes of Mikel Arteta and Xavi, who have been classed as one of the best young coaches in the game amid their brilliant stints at Arsenal and Barcelona respectively.
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However, the list runs way beyond the aforementioned pair. Former Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany spearheaded an incredible turnaround in fortune for RSC Anderlecht before taking over as Burnley boss this summer.
While his contribution could often tend to go under the radar, Thierry Henry’s role as Belgium assistant coach was key in the Red Devils reaching the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
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While other names such as Xabi Alonso and Domenec Torrent can also be mentioned, a player at Manchester City that could take a similar path is Ilkay Gundogan.
In March, Guardiola himself predicted the Germany international would go on to do a stellar job on the sidelines once he eventually hangs up his boots.
Gundogan has taken steps to veer into management one day, expecting to attain his UEFA B coaching licence in the summer.
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The 31-year-old had also taken charge of City's U-16 training sessions as a part of his coaching licence course.
Taking to social media to showcase that he is an avid fan of the popular game Football Manager, Gundogan is keen to remain in the dressing room once he calls time on his playing career.
The Manchester City midfielder discussed his plans to enter management in CITY+ documentary 'Together: Champions Again!’ - whose launch episode will be released at 6 PM (UK) on July 27th.
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"There are no concrete plans (for coaching) right now,” Gundogan said, as quoted by Manchester City’s official website.
"I started at the beginning of last season, May or June, with the German FA.
"The reason I wanted to do it is: I’m 31, hopefully I’ve got some more years ahead of me, and I want to be ahead of things."
Whilst he remains a crucial part of the Manchester City squad, Gundogan is on track in his preparations for a stellar career in the game having worked with some of the best managers around during his career.
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He added: "This is an area I’ve always wanted to explore, especially having the privilege of working with Pep (Guardiola), Thomas Tuchel and (Jurgen) Klopp.
"I wanted to learn some stuff with the German FA and the academy U-16's. I’m now the owner of the B licence, then I’ll go for A and the pro licence.”
While it seems like Gundogan’s prime focus remains on the pitch, Manchester City fans would be buzzing to see the decorated midfielder become a manager someday, considering his enviable footballing intelligence and natural leadership.
Topics: Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, Germany
Srinivas Sadhanand