Gareth Southgate confirms new job plans amid strong Man Utd links
- Southgate stepped down as England manager after losing the final of Euro 2024
- The divisive coach touted as a replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
- Southgate rules out taking over another international team in the future
Former England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed that he will not take on another managerial role for at least a year despite rumours of a move to struggling Manchester United.
The former international defender spent almost eight years in charge of the England men's senior team, stepping down two days after the Three Lions were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the final of last summer's European Championships.
Southgate was touted as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United before Euro 2024 had even begun and was again linked to the position following the club's unconvincing start to the Premier League season. However, the former Middlesbrough boss has quashed any talk of an imminent return to the dugout.
"I am enjoying my life so there is no rush," Southgate told the European Club Association's general assembly on Thursday, as quoted by Reuters. "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."
The 54-year-old also distanced himself from taking over a different national team at any point in the future. "It is unlikely to be another national federation," Southgate explained. "England was from the heart."
When quizzed on a potential move back to club football - a realm he hasn't occupied since getting sacked by Middlesbrough in 2009 following the club's Premier League relegation - Southgate said that it would be "depending on what role that is". He added: "I have been fortunate to have worked with fantastic players. You got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day."
Whatever position Southgate does take on will not be as mentally taxing as the England job. "Sometimes when you are in a big role you don't realise the weight until it's gone," he reflected. "It is one of those jobs where everybody has an opinion."
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