Gareth Southgate has indicated that only a high-profile managerial position would lure him back into football management, while asserting he could have surpassed the achievements of numerous head coaches who have faced difficulties at major clubs.
Post-England Career Pause
The 55-year-old tactician, who departed his role as England boss following a defeat to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final, has confirmed he is 'not actively looking' for a new position despite being out of the dugout for more than eighteen months. However, Southgate has not dismissed the possibility of a Premier League comeback, having been connected with several top-flight opportunities since leaving the Three Lions.
Manchester United Links and Club Preferences
Manchester United, who dismissed Ruben Amorim in January and have since seen a revival under interim head coach Michael Carrick, are the club most frequently associated with Southgate. They are anticipated to seek a new permanent manager at the season's conclusion. Southgate, who previously managed Middlesbrough in the Premier League before taking the England job, expressed minimal interest in leading mid-table teams.
Speaking on The Football Boardroom Podcast, he stated: 'I’ve got no passion to just go and manage in the Premier League. I did that at 35, I finished 11th, 12th. Who is in those positions now, probably Bournemouth, Brighton? So I don’t feel the need to just go and do it to say I’ve managed in the Premier League.'
Confidence in Big Club Capabilities
Southgate highlighted his experience in one of the world's most prestigious football roles, noting: 'I’ve had one of the biggest jobs in world football so I’ve been spoiled. Huge nights, working with outstanding players. No owner interfering.' He addressed external criticism about not winning major trophies with England, adding: 'The bit that, externally, people are saying is, "well, he didn’t win". So how do you prove that you can win? You’ve got to one of those big clubs.'
Towards the end of his tenure with the national team, Southgate faced scrutiny for failing to secure victories in major finals, as England continues to await a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Confident in his ability to handle a significant role in the top flight, Southgate remarked: 'Now we know those big clubs… do I think I could have done the job that some people who have been in those clubs recently have done? Could I do better? I think I could.'
Complicated Appointment Considerations
He acknowledged the challenges associated with his potential hiring, explaining: 'But we’ve talked about the baggage that comes with me as an appointment if you’re an owner. And there’s a reality around (that), I can understand what that noise is. There’s that bit which makes me potentially a complicated appointment for a club.'
No Rush for Management Return
Southgate emphasized he is in no hurry to resume management, admitting: 'I don’t want to go and manage a different national team. Club? It’s honestly not what I’m looking to do.' Reflecting on his future, he added: 'Now, two years after leaving England, I’m not actively looking for a role in coaching. If that European final was the bit (in coaching) I wouldn’t worry about that. Because there is another 15-20 years of my life ahead of me and I’m excited about a different video, a different movie, a different part of my life.'
