Kevin’s thinking of life after playing

KEVIN de Bruyne is aiming to start taking his coaching badges next year as he considers a future beyond playing.

An offer from the Belgian FA to put their national team players through the first stage of their coaching badges has turned the City star’s thoughts to what comes next.

And the 28-year-old has agreed to take his A and B badges, which would allow him to become head coach of a top-flight youth or reserve team, or a first team below the top flight - and paves the way for the Pro Licence required to head up the top teams.

“It’s something I’m going to do, because it gives us a licence in a quicker period, in less time, than we could do it before,” said De Bruyne. “Not thinking that I want to be a coach or anything, but if I want to be in football, it’s necessary to have this already, as a minimum.”

But the extra workload will not impinge on his focus in helping City to win more trophies - he intends to fit it around his playing requirements.

It is likely to include some coaching work within the City academy.

“If I find the time once in a while I am going to do this,” he said. “It can help me for later, but that’s not something I am thinking about - I’m a little bit young. I know it goes quick ...”

Vincent Kompany is also working on his badges, but he will not be on the same courses.

“Vinny is in the English or Welsh one, we do it through the Belgian FA because we are international players.” said De Bruyne. “It starts in March. The minimum requirement is a year.”