England’s Shocking Setbacks: Why Replacing Gareth Southgate with Top Candidates May Fail
England Bold Plan for Southgate’s Replacement: Why Guardiola and Klopp Aren’t Likely Candidates
Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are improbable successors for Gareth Southgate, despite the FA’s ambitious strategy.
Following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, the FA is actively seeking his replacement. Southgate, 53, stepped down after eight years in charge, prompting speculation about his successor.
Premier League heavyweights Klopp and Guardiola have surfaced as potential candidates, but their appointments seem unlikely. Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of last season, has publicly expressed a desire for a sabbatical. “Whatever will happen in the future I don’t know now but no club, no country for the next year,” he said, turning down approaches from the USA and likely England too. Additionally, his hefty £15m annual salary is significantly higher than Southgate’s £5m, posing a financial challenge for the FA.
Similarly, Guardiola’s situation presents obstacles. Currently earning around £20m per year at Manchester City, his salary expectations are beyond what the FA can offer. Guardiola has one year left on his contract with City and has hinted at a potential departure, but he remains committed for now. “The reality is I’m closer to leaving than to staying. It’s eight years, will be nine. Right now my feeling is I want to stay next season,” Guardiola stated, adding that discussions about his future would continue next season.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has provided an update on the search for the next England manager. “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed,” he said.
While the FA’s ambition is clear, securing Klopp or Guardiola appears a difficult feat. The search for a suitable candidate to lead England into their next chapter continues.
