Gareth Southgate Opens Up on Life Beyond Football Management
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has made it clear — he’s in no rush to return to football management. Despite being linked with high-profile jobs, including the Manchester United role, Southgate says his focus has shifted to something deeper and more personal — inspiring young people and working to bring positivity back into public life.
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Since stepping down as England’s manager in July 2024, Southgate hasn’t been involved in coaching. Speaking in interviews with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and BBC Breakfast , he explained that his time leading the national team gave him a sense of purpose that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. “I’ve had one of the most incredible jobs in football,” he reflected. “It carried a higher purpose because it was for my country. That’s going to be very hard to recreate.”
When asked about the persistent speculation linking him to Manchester United, Southgate remained calm and grounded. He admitted that while he wouldn’t rule out a return to management entirely, it’s not something he’s chasing. “You can never say never,” he said with a smile, “but it’s not high on my agenda. I’m enjoying what I’m doing now and trying to make a difference in other areas.”
During his time with England, Southgate transformed the team’s relationship with the public. He helped restore pride in the national side, guiding them to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. He recalled how, when he first took charge in 2016, “there was a huge disconnect with the public. People saw the team as arrogant. But we managed to change that and bring people together — that’s when I saw the power of football.”
Beyond the pitch, Southgate remains deeply thoughtful about the role of unity in society. He believes that despite the challenges people face — economically and socially — there’s still far more that unites the UK than divides it. “I saw during Covid how people helped each other, did shopping for neighbours. That’s when we’re at our best — when we show resilience together.”
For now, Gareth Southgate seems at peace — not chasing the next big football job, but pursuing a purpose that, in his words, “feels bigger than the game itself.”
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