Southgate Plans a Year Away From Football Management

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has clarified that he will not return to a coaching role for at least a year, despite speculation about his potential move to Manchester United, GIVEMESPORT reported. Southgate, 54, stepped down as England's manager following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. Since taking charge in 2016, he guided the team to two consecutive Euro finals and secured a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. While his future was the subject of much speculation, Southgate confirmed during the European Club Association assembly in Athens that he would not be pursuing coaching opportunities in the immediate future. "I need to give myself time for good decisions and enjoy life," he asserted.

Southgate's tenure as England manager included changing a previously negative relationship with the media, fostering team confidence, and ensuring a good rapport with fans. Despite a few setbacks, including a quarter-final exit at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Southgate expressed satisfaction with his contributions. However, speculation has continued concerning the managerial position at Manchester United, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding current manager Erik ten Hag.

Nevertheless, Southgate remains focused on exploring various opportunities beyond coaching. Currently linked to various roles, including potential academic opportunities such as speaking engagements at Harvard, he is diligently planning his next move while emphasizing the need for his personal and professional rejuvenation. He hinted at a deeper interest in the administrative side of football, indicating a thoughtful approach to any future club involvement. In closing, Southgate remarked on the importance of ensuring alignment and communication within a football club and noted his experiences observing the interconnected roles at top institutions.

Earlier, SSP wrote that BCCI introduced new rule for player withdrawals from IPL.