Gareth Southgate To Take A Year Off Coaching And Probably Won’t Coach A National Team

Former England manager Gareth Southgate announced on Thursday that he had made the decision not to resume coaching duties for a minimum of one year. 

Moreover, he indicated that the likelihood of him assuming the role of another national team’s coach was very low. Southgate’s clear declaration suggested a deliberate period of rest and reflection on his future career path, hinting at a desire for a hiatus from the pressures of international management.

Southgate stepped down in July

Following England’s second consecutive loss in the European Championship final, the 54-year-old announced his resignation in July, capping an eight-year tenure with the Three Lions.

Southgate stated “Sometimes when you are in a big role you don’t realise the weight until it’s gone, It is one of those jobs where everybody has an opinion.”

He added “I am enjoying my life so there is no rush. For 11 years I committed fully to the national federation. I won’t coach in the next year for sure. I am certain of that. When you come out of a big role you need to give your body time, your mind time.”

For its finest international results in decades, Southgate guided England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, the quarterfinals of the 2022 competition, and the finals of the previous two European Championships.

England is still searching for Southgate’s replacement

Southgate’s successor is still up for grabs, with interim manager Lee Carsley leading the way for England. Southgate stated that he would be unlikely to take charge of a different national team and that he would only think about managing a club under certain circumstances. 

The former England manager had been connected to a technical observer position at UEFA, the organization that oversees European football, as well as a possible transfer to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s replacement at Manchester United.

Southgate said “(A return to) club football? Depending on what role that is, I have been fortunate to have worked with fantastic players. You got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day, It is unlikely to be another national federation. England was from the heart.” 

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