Former England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he will take an extended break from management, ruling out a return to the dugout for at least a year.
Southgate, 54, stepped down as England boss after the European Championship final defeat to Spain earlier this year. Since then, he has served as a technical observer for UEFA.
Speculation had mounted regarding Southgate’s potential appointment as Manchester United manager, with pressure intensifying on Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Notably, Southgate enjoys close relationships with United executives Sir Dave Brailsford and sporting director Dan Ashworth, with whom he previously collaborated at the FA.
However, speaking at the European Club Association (ECA) general assembly, Southgate confirmed his decision to take a break, “I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that. I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”
Southgate will continue in his UEFA technical observer role, focusing on rejuvenation before reassessing his future.
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