Gareth Southgate: Taking Time Off the Pitch

Gareth Southgate, former England manager, has announced he will not return to coaching for at least a year. After an impactful tenure, including leading England to a World Cup semi-final, he is taking time to rest and reflect. He remains open to future opportunities in club football under specific conditions.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate declared on Thursday his decision to step away from coaching for at least the next year, expressing reluctance to lead another national team.

Southgate, who resigned in July after enduring England's second consecutive loss in a European Championship final, noted during the European Club Association's general assembly that the burden of his role became evident only after his departure. Having committed over a decade to the national federation, Southgate emphasized the need to pause and recharge mentally and physically.

While England continues its search for a permanent replacement, with Lee Carsley serving as interim manager, Southgate remains open to club football opportunities. He has been linked with potential roles, such as replacing Manchester United's Erik ten Hag or stepping into a technical observer position with UEFA.

(With inputs from agencies.)