Graham Potter has said he’s “ready” to return to football management, amid speculation he could be in the running to succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss.
The former Chelsea manager has been out of work since 2023 when he left the west London club.
He told Sky Sports News he has held talks with a number of clubs since then, but is waiting for the right opportunity to return to management.
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However, amid reports he could be being eyed up by the Football Association (FA) to succeed Southgate, Potter said he was “ready and looking forward to the next challenge”.
He said: “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.”
Along with Eddie Howe, the Newcastle United manager, Potter is seen as one of the frontrunners to take over from Southgate.
Speaking as he was awarded an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University, he avoided giving a direct answer about the national team job.
Potter, who has also managed Brighton and Swansea, added: “Today is not the day to speak about [the England vacancy]. I’m proud of the job Gareth Southgate did.
“As an Englishman in football, I don’t think there’s anybody who has more respect than he has, how he conducted himself, him and his staff, qualifying for tournaments, going deep into tournaments, getting the country behind the team, he’s done an amazing job.
“I’d like to wish him well, I hope he has a nice break, and wish him well for whatever he decides to do next.”
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Southgate cemented himself as one of the most successful England men’s managers of all time over his eight years in the job.
He is credited by many with transforming the image of the national team as well as turning them into a force within European international football.
Under Southgate, England reached back-to-back Euro finals but on both occasions fell short of silverware.
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After the defeat to Spain, in a statement shared by the official England account on X, Southgate announced he was leaving the job.
He said: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”
Earlier this week, Sky News revealed that the FA plans to interview diverse candidates who meet the criteria to succeed Southgate.
