Gareth Southgate believes he could excel in the Premier League
Gareth Southgate has expressed confidence in his potential to exceed the performance of recent managers at elite Premier League clubs. The former England manager, who departed his national role following defeat in the Euro 2024 final, shared his thoughts on The Football Boardroom Podcast, reports BritPanorama.
“Do I think I could have done the job that some people who have been in those clubs recently have done? Could I do better? I think I could,” stated the 55-year-old.
Manchester United is currently the club most often linked with Southgate following his exit from international management. The Old Trafford outfit is presently under the interim management of Michael Carrick, after unsuccessful spells from both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
However, Southgate acknowledges the complications that could arise from his appointment, remarking, “But we’ve talked about the baggage that comes with me as an appointment if you’re an owner.” He reflected on the external perception surrounding his record with the national team, explaining, “The bit that, externally, people are saying is, ‘well, he didn’t win’,” which may present challenges for clubs considering him.
Despite speculation about his future, Southgate emphasised that he has no compulsion to return to club management for its own sake. “I’ve got no passion to just go and manage in the Premier League,” he stated, noting that his previous experience at Middlesbrough included both mid-table finishes and relegation.
He further characterised his time with the England team as a significant role in world football, saying, “I’ve had one of the biggest jobs in world football so I’ve been spoiled.” Southgate also confirmed that he is not actively pursuing coaching opportunities at this time, having needed a break after eight years leading the national side.
Reflecting on the future, he expressed enthusiasm for the years ahead, stating, “There is another 15-20 years of my life ahead of me and I’m excited about a different video, a different movie, a different part of my life.”
With the managerial landscape at Premier League clubs continuing to shift, Southgate’s name remains prominent, and the football community will be watching closely to see if he returns to the touchline in the domestic league.
