His relationship with Guardiola – one of the most widely admired manager-player partnerships in modern football – has continued beyond their time together at the Etihad Stadium, and it is that bond that forms the most compelling thread in the interview. “No, nothing’s come of it yet, except from Pep (Guardiola), who made a lighthearted comment last year (laughs). In my mind, I’d like to play for a few more years, but that can change overnight – especially at my age. On whether it would have been possible to coach with Pep Guardiola within the Italian National Team set-up, Gundogan added: “He didn’t do it, of course. Guardiola’s current absence from management – having stepped away from the Etihad Stadium at the end of 2024-25 – gives the Gundogan coaching scenario a plausibility it might not otherwise carry so soon, with both men simultaneously in positions to reflect, prepare and plan for what might come next.