Gareth Southgate will depart England after Euro 2024 as the FA pursues Pep Guardiola.
The FA is aware of the uncertainty and is considering the potential that Gareth Southgate would retire after the European Championship in Germany next summer. Some in the FA would love to see Pep Guardiola appointed, and officials are receptive to the possibility.
According to the source, other candidates for the job included current Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and former Tottenham manager Brendan Rodgers, although Southgate staying was always the favoured option.
Southgate’s contract is due to expire at the end of next year and the Mail says Howe, Potter, Rodgers and Pochettino are still viable options. But the FA are also keen on ‘testing the water’ with Guardiola, who’s enjoyed huge success in charge of City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
According to the source, former Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers and ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has since joined Chelsea, were also considered, though Southgate’s retention was always the favored option.
Gareth Southgate set to leave England as Guardiola poised to become new England Manager
Southgate’s contract is likely to expire at the conclusion of the season. Reports claim that Howe, Potter, Rodgers, and Pochettino are still candidates.
However, the FA is also showing high interest in ‘testing the waters’ with Guardiola. Guardiola has tremendous success as manager of City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.
Guardiola’s contract at the Etihad expires in 2025, providing a financial dilemma for the FA while the COVID pandemic continues.
Meanwhile, Guardiola’s backing for Catalan independence may create political obstacles that prevent him from being handed the Spain post.
The Mail claims that Southgate would have left his role after Qatar if he got a “nice position.”
Southgate is preparing England for Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and a friendly against Scotland on September 12.
England leads their qualification group with a perfect 12 points from their first four games.
