Update: ‘Not possible’ – Ilkay Gundogan drops hint at next career move after triggering new Man City deal News

Ilkay Gundogan has played enough this season to trigger a new deal at Manchester City – but his future still remains up in the air.

Ilkay Gundogan suggested that he would be open to remaining at Manchester City in a coaching role in future after triggering an extra year on his contract.

Gundogan returned to City last summer after a year away at Barcelona, signing a 12-month deal with the option of a second season. That depended on how many games he played this season so City’s injury crisis has allowed him to compile more appearances than anyone in the squad apart from Josko Gvardiol.

A second year for the 34-year-old could potentially see him end his career at the Etihad, although there is still a chance he departs this summer as Pep Guardiola goes about his rebuild ahead of next season’s title challenge. And Gundogan has opened up on his future plans after taking his initial steps in coaching during his first stint at City.

Speaking to the National, Gundogan admitted to pursuing a coaching career post-playing but suggested that is currently on the back-burner as he prolongs his illustrious playing career.

“I want to continue coaching and I want to progress in that field but it is something that isn’t possible right now because of playing,” he said, having secured his B Licence with plans for an A Licence and Pro Licence to follow.

“I have previously worked with City’s under 16s and I really enjoyed it. I have worked under some amazing coaches and they inspire you. I have had the privilege of working with Pep for several years, it is automatically something I think about and consider for the future.”

Gundogan also hinted at staying at City as he plots out his coaching career, having learned that part of his trade at the City Football Academy so far.

He continued: “When I look at Pep I see a man with a lot of ideas who tries to take care of every little detail of the game. A man dedicated to finding solutions, who questions himself and everything. In terms of character I am similar. I question myself a lot and always try to see what I can personally do better not just for me but the team and the whole club in general.

“Being part of City for so many years I can see myself coaching in the future and of course I love football way too much to stay out of it once my playing career is over.

“I always tell myself I could become a really good coach if I have the guts to do it and the energy and stamina to go for it in the long run. But I know also that it is a lot of work when I see Pep and our coaching staff and the working hours they put in.

“It is much more than a player. It’s a workload you need to accept and be comfortable with. I took the first steps to see if it was something that would interest me and so far it has.”

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