Manchester Metropolis’s pure dominance of English soccer was lastly damaged this yr as Liverpool sealed a second Premier League title in 5 years, with Metropolis falling away from their beforehand extraordinary requirements.
A part of this decline has, after all, come from the long-term absence of the talismanic Rodri, who suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament damage earlier within the season.
However it’s one other one among their present midfielders, Ilkay Gundogan – nonetheless recognised by FourFourTwo in our checklist of the most effective central midfielders on the planet – who has created headlines by shedding gentle on his long-term plans.
Ilkay Gundogan reveals want to grow to be Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester Metropolis
Manchester Metropolis’s Ilkay Gundogan holding the Premier League trophy, 2023 (Picture credit score: Alamy)
Ilkay Gundogan, who returned to Manchester Metropolis in August 2024 after one season at Barcelona , lately confirmed that changing into Pep Guardiola’s assistant would enchantment to him.
Chatting with BILD , Gundogan revealed that “there’s in all probability nothing higher than beginning out as Pep’s assistant”.
Manchester Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
The German midfielder added: “I haven’t requested him, no, however the examples of the previous few years have proven that it may pave the way in which for a training profession. Being Pep’s assistant coach can be extraordinarily interesting to me.”
The 34-year-old has made 31 appearances for Manchester Metropolis this season, however made it clear his eye is on the longer term, revealing he has earned a UEFA B licence.
The Champions League-winning captain when Metropolis received the Treble stated: “Sure, the B licence. My final info was that if you wish to begin with the A licence, it’s important to already be working as a coach someplace, as an assistant or within the youth system.
“I’ve one yr left on my contract, and I am completely happy about that. I completely love being at Metropolis.”
Gundogan’s expertise and flexibility might properly be key to Manchester Metropolis’s push to return to the highest subsequent yr, and Metropolis followers don’t want to fret about Gundogan leaving this summer time.
He admitted: “Actually, I wish to play soccer for a number of extra years, as a result of I really feel completely prepared for it, I am very match, and I handle my physique. I really feel like I actually get pleasure from soccer: not simply one other yr, however at the very least two years, possibly even three or 4.”
“I am already fascinated by what comes subsequent. I am not afraid of these ideas, although; I am extra excited.
“However my physique’s nonetheless cooperating, and Pep is not saying to me, ‘Hey, you are falling off the enjoying discipline’”.
