Ilkay Gündogan warns of players googling themselves during halftime

Footballer Ilkay Gündogan has revealed that some players search for themselves on the internet during halftime. Speaking to Die Zeit, the German midfielder noted that this need for external validation can be “very dangerous” if it influences on-field decision-making, as players may prioritize public opinion over the guidance of coaches or teammates.

Gündogan also discussed his future ambitions, stating his desire to pursue a coaching career rather than becoming a television analyst. He credited Pep Guardiola with planting the seed for this interest, praising the former Manchester City manager for his hunger to win and his ability to reinvent football. Gündogan noted that working under Guardiola helped him replace outdated ideas with new perspectives on the game.