Gareth Southgate has assured that the prospect of returning to club management doesn’t intimidate him once he eventually steps down from his role as the England coach. It’s been nearly 15 years since his last involvement in club-level management, marked by his dismissal from Middlesbrough in 2009 after a three-season tenure.
Afterward, Southgate found success as England Under-21 manager before taking the reins of the senior national team in 2016. Under his guidance, England has notably improved in international tournaments, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final in 2021.
While his current contract with England extends until the end of 2024, speculation suggests that Euro 2024 might conclude his tenure with the Three Lions. Looking forward, a return to club management seems likely for Southgate. In an interview with Sky Sports, he expressed confidence, stating that his experience has equipped him for any football managerial role.
“I managed in the Premier League when I was 35, and I knew far less then than I do now. Having experienced this role, there’s no job in world football that would intimidate me.”
Recalling a conversation with Jose Mourinho during his Manchester United tenure, Southgate shared Mourinho’s insight: “When you’ve done the role you’re in now, you’ll be able to do anything really.” Seven years into his current role, Southgate believes Mourinho was right, expressing confidence in his capabilities and embracing whatever the future holds.
While acknowledging that he won’t be in his current role indefinitely, Southgate maintains a calm demeanor about his future, demonstrating a lack of worry regarding the path that lies ahead.
