Gareth Southgate: No Plans for a Premier League Comeback

Gareth Southgate’s final moment as England’s manager was a tough one, watching his team fall to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Now, the 56-year-old has made it clear he doesn’t envision a return to club management in the Premier League. Since resigning from his role with the Three Lions, Southgate has taken a step back from the game he once dominated. He last managed a club in 2006 during a three-year stint at Middlesbrough. When asked about the possibility of coaching again in the Premier League, he bluntly stated in an interview with The Amol Rajan Connection: "I don't see a scenario where I do that." Reflecting on his tenure, Southgate admitted that the joy he once found in victories faded near the end of his England run. "Towards the end of my time, I stopped enjoying, at the very least for a period, the wins keep you going," he revealed. He added, "By the end, I didn't even enjoy the wins for any longer than a couple of minutes. I’ve hardly watched football since. My passion for the game has shifted." After stepping away from the England role, Southgate has dabbled in media work and even hosted a BBC documentary exploring the challenges faced by young men and boys across the UK. He has also enjoyed a unique opportunity as a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School. "I’ve loved the last 18 months of my life," he shared. "For 37 years, my sense of self was tied to winning or losing on Saturday. Now, I’ve embraced new experiences, meeting politicians and media figures, learning about leadership, and traveling the world." Last month, the football world was shaken when Manchester City was found guilty of breaching financial regulations covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. The independent commission uncovered evidence of “sham contracts” aimed at artificially boosting revenues. Despite their denial of any wrongdoing and an appeal filed on October 2, Southgate weighed in on the situation. "There’ll be the tribal fans’ response to punish Manchester City as much as we can, relegate them, fine them, do whatever you can," he noted. Having spent time in football boardrooms and discussions with UEFA and FIFA, Southgate understands the complexities involved. "None of this is good for football, and there are no winners," he stressed. He acknowledged the lengthy legal battles ahead and the challenge of finding the right punishment that keeps the sport on track. "That’s unbelievably complex," he concluded.