Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, aims to return to Premier League management following encouragement from Jose Mourinho, who believes Southgate is capable of excelling in any role within football.
Southgate has served as England manager for seven years, and his highly skilled team is considered among the top contenders for victory in Euro 2024, set to take place in Germany next summer.
The 52-year-old contract extends until December 2024, however, the upcoming European Championships in Germany might mark his final major tournament at the helm.
Former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa star began his managerial career at Middlesbrough before joining the England set-up and is eager to prove himself in club management again.
Southgate also revealed details of his conversation with Mourinho, then in charge of Manchester United, where the Portuguese told him he will have his pick of opportunities when the time comes.
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He said:
‘I was 35 years old when I managed in the Premier League. We finished 12th and 13th, and I knew nothing like what I know now.’
‘Everybody would talk about Middlesbrough. ‘Oh, he got Middlesbrough relegated’.
Well, yeah, in the third year, we got relegated. But I had three years of Premier League management.
‘Without doubt, in my mind, the first season was the biggest achievement I’ve had, to go from captain/player to managing a multimillion-pound business in the toughest league in the world, and finish pretty much a par finish for where we were budget-wise.
‘I’m confident in this role. I’m confident in whatever might be in the future.
‘Of course, I’m not going to be here (at the FA) for 20-30 years.
I don’t know what the future will be. I’m very calm about that.
‘I remember talking to Jose (Mourinho) when he was at Man Utd and he said:
‘you know, when you’ve done the role you’re in now, you’ll be able to do anything’. Really? I thought that was probably right, but seven years into it, it’s definitely right.’
Southgate managed Boro for a span of three years from 2006 to 2009, followed by an additional four years at the helm of the England Under-21 team.
