Gareth Southgate, the England national team manager, has revealed that he is open to returning to club management once his contract with the Football Association (FA) expires in 2024.
Southgate has been in charge of the Three Lions since 2016 and has overseen a significant improvement in the team’s performance, leading them to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final in 2021.
Despite his success with England, Southgate has not ruled out a return to club management, where he has previously managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Southgate expressed his confidence in his ability to manage at the club level, citing his experiences as England manager as a significant factor in his growth and development as a coach.
Southgate revealed that he had spoken to Jose Mourinho, the former Manchester United manager, who had advised him that his experience as England manager would prepare him for any job in world football.
Southgate agreed with Mourinho’s assessment, stating that his seven years in charge of the national team had given him the confidence and knowledge to take on any challenge in the sport.
The England manager’s contract runs until the end of 2024, and it is widely expected that Euro 2024 will be his last tournament in charge of the Three Lions.
While Southgate has not confirmed his plans beyond his current contract, his comments suggest that he is open to exploring opportunities in club management.
Southgate’s potential return to club management would be a significant development in the world of football, given his experience and success with England.
His ability to improve teams and develop players has been evident during his time as England manager, and his skills would be highly sought after by top clubs.
In the interview, Southgate also reflected on his time as Middlesbrough manager, acknowledging that he was still learning and developing as a coach during his spell at the Riverside Stadium.
However, he expressed his confidence in his current abilities, stating that he is not intimidated by the prospect of managing at the club level again.
Southgate’s comments suggest that he is open to new challenges and opportunities beyond his current role as England manager.
His experience and success with the national team have prepared him for any job in world football, and his potential return to club management would be a significant development in the sport.
