Southgate Rules Out Return to Premier League Management
Former England manager Gareth Southgate states he doesn't foresee managing in the Premier League again, citing a changed desire for football involvement.
Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, has indicated that he does not anticipate returning to club management in the Premier League. Southgate, who stepped down as England boss after guiding the team to the final of Euro 2024, has not managed at club level since his tenure with Middlesbrough concluded in 2006.
When questioned about the possibility of managing in the Premier League again, Southgate stated, "I don't see a scenario where I do that." He described a shift in his relationship with the sport, noting that towards the end of his time with England, even wins provided only brief satisfaction.
"By the end, I didn't even enjoy the wins for any longer than a couple of minutes," Southgate said. "So, I've hardly watched football. I went to the FA Cup final to see my team, Crystal Palace, win their first trophy. I've not been to a football ground since. So my sort of desire to be involved in football has changed."
Since his departure from the England role, Southgate has engaged in media work, including fronting a BBC documentary exploring challenges faced by young men and boys across the UK. He has also served as a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School.
"I've loved the last 18 months of my life," he added. "I've had 37 years where my sense of self depended on did I win or lose on Saturday. And actually I've loved having different experiences. I've met politicians, I've met people in the media industry, I have learned about leadership in all sorts of areas, I've travelled around the world learning things. I've just enjoyed playing a different film in my life."
Southgate also commented on the recent financial regulation charges against Manchester City, which the club denies. He described the complexities surrounding such cases, noting the potential for prolonged legal battles and the difficulty in determining appropriate punishments. "My underlying thought is none of this is good for football and there are no winners," he remarked, highlighting the intricate nature of resolving such issues while maintaining the integrity of the sport.