Graham Potter breaks silence on England job and sends Gareth Southgate message (original) (raw)

Graham Potter has spoken out about his future amid reports suggesting he could succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager after he resigned following Euro 2024

Graham Potter speaks out on links with the England job

Graham Potter has broken his silence on potentially replacing Gareth Southgate as England manager.

Southgate resigned following England's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 and Potter is among the early favourites to replace him, along with the likes of Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino and Lee Carsley.

However, Potter remained tight-lipped when asked about the prospect of managing England. "I don't think today is the day to speak about that [the England job]," the former Chelsea and Brighton boss told the BBC. "I think Gareth has done a fantastic job. I don't think there's anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.

"He and his team led the country and led the team in a really, really good way and I have a huge respect for him.

"Today is the day to wish him a nice break, because he's earned that, and I wish him well whatever he does in the next part of his career."

Potter was speaking after receiving an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University and revealed that he is now "ready and looking forward to the next challenge" after taking a three-month break from football after his Chelsea sacking.

"I spoke to lots of teams and lots of clubs but it was recognising that journey [he had been on as a coach] was a long journey, a tough journey," he told Sky Sports News. "Unless the right opportunity came along I wasn't rushing to go back into football.

Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea (

Image:

Getty Images)

"It had to be right for me. I spoke to a few clubs but it wasn't the right thing. It was important I was patient and waited for the right opportunity and took the time with the family to reflect and think about what I wanted to do.

"Now I'm in that good place where I'm happy to be ready and looking forward to the next challenge. I've had a great break. The journey from where I started to where I finished doesn't come for free. Moving three countries, with a young family and all that comes with being a football manager.

"It was important for me to take a break, reflect and re-energise. It was a good time to look at other things, other sports, other teams and visit places. I feel really ready, really excited to be back when the right opportunity comes."

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