Gundogan eyes future coaching role at Manchester City after playing career ends

Ilkay Gundogan has expressed a desire to return to Manchester City as a coach once his playing days are over, though the 35-year-old insists he intends to continue as a player for at least another season with Galatasaray before considering that transition.

Gundogan, who has 12 months remaining on his contract with the Turkish club, was clear that any coaching role at the Etihad would come further down the line — not as part of the immediate post-Pep Guardiola setup. Enzo Maresca is expected to take charge at City this summer following Guardiola’s departure.

“Of course, there’s a chance,” Gundogan said. “Obviously, it depends a little on my own decisions, on my drive also, in terms of how I want to evolve after finishing my active career. I feel like I still have a couple of really good years in me. I would like to play a little more, because I’m still enjoying it.”

The German midfielder confirmed he has already started working towards his coaching qualifications, though he acknowledged the direction of his post-playing career is still taking shape. “Everyone knows it’s not a secret that I started doing my coaching badges, and tried to see in which direction I would like to go after my career,” he said. “And there’s definitely potential, 100 per cent. This place has given me, as a player, everything I wanted. So why not try it also in a different role?”

Gundogan is one of the most decorated players in City’s history, having won 14 major trophies across two spells under Guardiola. He captained the club to a historic Treble in the 2022-23 season, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Prior to his time at City, he represented Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.

With a year still to run at Galatasaray, any return to Manchester — in whatever capacity — remains a longer-term prospect rather than an imminent one.