Gareth Southgate rules out coaching return in next year amid Manchester United links - ‘I’m certain of that’
Updated 10/10/2024 at 15:47 GMT+1
Gareth Southgate will take an extended period of time out of the limelight, with the former England manager confirming he will not be making an immediate return to coaching. After eight years in arguably one of the most scrutinised roles in world football as England boss, the 54-year-old will take at least a year out before a potential return to the dugout.
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Gareth Southgate has ruled out a return to the dugout in the next year, effectively ending any links with replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Southgate ended an eight-year spell in charge of England in July after leading their run to the Euro 2024 final.
The 54-year-old resigned from his post after leading The Three Lions to consecutive Euros finals, and a semi-final appearance at the 2018 World Cup.
Major silverware ultimately eluded the 54-year-old, who will now take time to properly consider his next career move.
"I won't coach in the next year, for sure. I'm certain of that,” said Southgate at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens on Thursday.
"I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time."
"I'm enjoying my life, so there's no rush."
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Southgate resigns - 53-year-old calls time on England managerial reign
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Southgate – who also appeared in three major tournaments as a player for England – elaborated further on the importance of taking some time out, and how he will make use of the downtime.
"I'm fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting," he added.
"I've been invited to speak at Harvard and there's lots of exciting life experiences to have.
"I'm 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10 to 15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions."
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There had been growing speculation that Southgate could be the man to take over from Ten Hag at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman’s future still under a huge cloud.
However, Southgate hinted he would only consider a return to club football if the directors and coaching staff are heading in the right direction.
His only previous experience in club management came at Middlesbrough, spending just over three years in charge of the Teessiders.
"Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club," he explained.
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"I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable than you think when you are there.
"As a coach, you think you're the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you're only a small piece in this whole thing.
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