In an interview with El Mundo, Barcelona midfielder Gündogan said, “I don’t want to sound condescending, but I think I have the potential to be a good coach. “
Is it still possible to separate the game from marketing in today’s soccer world?
“That’s the situation now, isn’t it? The number of fans on social networks has become an important thing in recent years. You might not play well, but if you upload a video of a great move, then people will think you played incredibly well that game. But you also have to take into account the new generation, they love this type of stuff now. You crotch someone and they say ‘wow’, but maybe that crotch shot didn’t help our team at all.”
Does he think he would have won more individual awards if he cared more about social media?
“I have to be honest. If someone has a very big following on social networks, if he plays a great season, that’s just more advantageous than someone who doesn’t have a lot of followers. That’s the truth.”
Does this make you feel sorry?
“It’s a business after all, but it’s maybe a little bit sad that it’s come to this.”
Isn’t soccer a game?
“For a lot of people in our business, it’s a business. Especially those who make the decisions. But for me and for a lot of people, soccer is passion. I love soccer, but I think I loved it more when I was younger than I do now.”
But in Manchester, people who know you say you’d make a great coach
“I don’t want to sound condescending, but I think I have potential. I’ve also had luck. I’ve worked with the best coaches, I’ve worked with Guardiola for seven years, Klopp for four years, Tuchel for one year and now I’ve got Xavi. All of these people will have an impact on you. I’ve seen a lot of things that can turn me into a good coach, but I’m not 100% sure that my life will go in that direction.”
Why? Would you prefer to continue playing FM?
“It’s something I really enjoy as well… I obviously want to continue to be associated with soccer, but I have other interests as well. It’s not just everything on the field that catches my attention. Let’s say I like the management side of things, I’ve taken coaching classes and now I’m involved in soccer-related businesses. In this way, I am able to have both perspectives. This will help me make a decision afterward.”
Was it true that you had been waiting for Barcelona before?
“Yes. For me, as a midfielder, it’s impossible not to be attracted to the team that used to be Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. The way they played, the way they ran. I loved the Junior period and, of course, Barcelona under Messi.”
Have you spoken to Xavi?
“I didn’t say it, but I’m sure he knows. We have a very similar understanding of soccer.”
What is Xavi like as a coach?
“He’s really very good. And he’s proved it. With the club going through so many difficulties, he won the league title and the Super Cup, which was a huge success. I think the main credit belongs to the coach. When things are not going well, people are looking at the coach, then when things are going well, we can’t forget the coach. Now I work with him and when he speaks before and after matches I realize that he thinks a lot like me and like Guardiola. We are playing great football this season, it’s true that we conceded some goals in some games and made some mistakes that shouldn’t be made at the top level, especially considering that we are now going to play the Champions League. But I’m impressed with what Xavi is doing. In fact I do think he will get better.”
Do you think Barcelona can lift the Champions League trophy again?
“I played for Manchester City for seven years and obviously I will make comparisons, although it is true to say that we didn’t win everything, we managed to do it in the last two or three years by contributing consistent performances. I want to win the Champions League again, but I’m aware that the situation at Barcelona is different. We are in the middle of a learning process and we have a very young squad with a lot of potential.”
Potential, but not yet strength?
“It’s a process. We’ll know afterward what our strengths really are. I came here to help the team. It’s about giving the team that calm mentality. That’s very important to control the pace of the game. Because when you have the ability to do that, the opponent is in a lot of trouble.”
