Gareth Southgate, undeterred by the notion of returning to club management after his tenure as England coach, remains confident in his abilities.
Absent from club-level management for nearly 15 years since his departure from Middlesbrough in 2009, Southgate has found success leading England’s Under-21 team and, since 2016, the senior national team.
Under his guidance, England experienced a notable resurgence, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and making it to the Euro 2020 final, marking the team’s first major tournament final since 1966. Southgate’s current contract extends until 2024, and speculation suggests Euro 2024 might conclude his role as England’s head coach.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Southgate expressed confidence in transitioning back to club management, emphasizing his enriched experiences leading the national team. Reflecting on his earlier years managing in the Premier League, he acknowledged having less knowledge at 35, finishing 12th and 13th in the standings. Now, having lived through his current role, Southgate asserted that no managerial position in world football could intimidate or worry him.
Recalling a conversation with Jose Mourinho during his time at Manchester United, Southgate shared Mourinho’s advice that completing his current role would equip him to tackle anything. Initially skeptical, seven years later, Southgate is convinced of its accuracy.
He feels confident in his current role and remains open to whatever lies ahead, stating that he does not anticipate staying in his current position for 20 or 30 years.
Despite uncertainties about the future, Southgate is relaxed and untroubled by what it might hold, echoing a sense of assurance derived from his journey in football management.
