At such a young age, Mikel Arteta has reached the top of his field in management.
The 43-year-old has spent the last six years in charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world in Arsenal and has had major success as the Spanish coach has the Gunners are once again competing for Premier League titles, while the North London club are also close to another Champions League final.
This journey began at Man City with Arteta previously admitting that Pep Guardiola did a lot to give him a leg up in the managerial game with evidence of the legendary coach’s style often seen when Arsenal play.
Arteta has been tipped to one day replace Guardiola at Man City and wherever the former Barcelona boss goes next, one current player in the Manchester club’s squad hopes to follow him to learn from the 54-year-old as his assistant.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola could have a new assistant in Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan was recently described by Bernardo Silva as the most intelligent player he has ever played with, which is a great trait to carry into management.
More Man City News
Leroy Sane also tipped Gundogan to become a manager years ago and it looks like the German star got it right as that looks to be the plan for the midfielder once he hangs up his boots
During his previous spell in Manchester, the veteran star spent some time coaching in Man City’s academy as he trained for his coaching badges and now the 34-year-old dreams of being Guardiola’s assistant one day.
“I didn’t ask him, no. But there’s probably nothing better than starting out as Pep’s assistant,” Gundogan said via Manchester Evening News.
“The examples of the past few years have shown that it can pave the way for a coaching career. Being Pep’s assistant coach would be extremely appealing to me.”
At 34, Gundogan will clearly be thinking about his future plans, however, the Man City star doesn’t intend to retire anytime soon.
Ilkay Gundogan reveals how many more years he will play for
Gundogan will remain at Man City until the summer of 2026 and the midfielder will be hoping for a better campaign next season in comparison to the current term.
The 34-year-old has now admitted that he hopes to continue playing for three or four years and after that, the Man City legend will see where he is at.
“I have one year left on my contract, and I’m happy about that,” Gundogan said via Manchester Evening News. “Not just because I’m getting older, where every year is a long way off. But also because I absolutely love being at City.
“Honestly, I want to play football for several more years: because I feel absolutely ready for it, I’m very fit, and I take care of my body. I feel like I really enjoy football: not just another year, but at least two years, maybe even three or four.
“I’m already thinking about what comes next. I’m not afraid of those thoughts, though; I’m more excited.”
Man City fans may see Gundogan in the dugout at the Etihad Stadium in the future and if his reign is just half as successful as his playing career in Manchester, City supporters will be in for a treat.