Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, declares he won’t coach for at least a year.
The 54-year-old stepped down from the England job following the loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July.
In 2016, Southgate was named manager of the England national team. Under his guidance, they reached two consecutive Euro finals and finished fourth in the 2018 World Cup.
Amid uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford, he has been linked with Manchester United.
Nonetheless, while addressing the European Club Association general assembly in Athens on Thursday, Southgate rejected the idea of immediately returning to management.
“I won’t coach in the next year for sure, I’m certain of that,” he said. “I need to give myself time to make good decisions.
“When you leave a really big role, you must give your body and mind time.
“I’m enjoying my life, so there’s no rush.”
Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, revealed his comeback to the sport by accepting the position of global head of soccer at Red Bull.
“I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is fascinating,” said Southgate.
“I’ve been invited to speak at Harvard and have many exciting life experiences.
“I’m 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10 to 15 years. The most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions.”
Southgate confirms he won’t train another international team and will be cautious about returning to club settings. He had a stint as the manager of Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009.
“Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned right the way through the club,” he said.
“I also know that maybe the more intelligent people sit in the boardrooms, and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable than you think when you are there.
“As a coach, you think you’re the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realized you’re only a small piece in this whole thing.”
Since taking over as interim manager from Southgate, Lee Carsley has won both of his matches in charge of the Three Lions.