Gareth Southgate rules out Premier League return

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has made it clear that he has no intention of returning to management in the Premier League. After stepping away from the national setup, the coach has revealed that his passion for the sport has shifted, leading him to move away from the touchline entirely.

Southgate has not managed a club since his three-year stint at Middlesbrough, which ended in 2009. During that period, he oversaw 151 matches, including a memorable victory against Manchester City. Reflecting on his time with England, he noted that the intense scrutiny and pressure of international management eventually drained the enjoyment he once felt for the game.

I don't see a scenario where I do that. Towards the end of my time with England, I stopped enjoying it. The wins kept me going, but eventually, I didn't even enjoy the wins for more than a couple of minutes. Gareth Southgate

Since leaving his role with the FA, Southgate has pursued different professional paths, including broadcasting and work as a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School. He emphasized that he has found fulfillment in these new experiences, moving away from the weekly cycle of matchday results that defined his life for 37 years.

These comments effectively put an end to speculation linking him with high-profile vacancies in England's top flight. Southgate remains focused on his current work in media and leadership education, indicating that his time in professional coaching has likely come to a permanent conclusion.