Gareth Southgate will not take over the helm of Poland’s national team, as confirmed by the president of the Polish FA. Since resigning as England manager in July 2024 after a heartbreaking European Championship final loss to Spain, Southgate, 54, has taken a break from football, fuelling speculation that he may not return to the game.
However, in an unexpected twist, Southgate recently signalled a desire to return to management by considering the vacant Poland position, following Michal Probierz’s controversial departure. Probierz had caused uproar by removing Robert Lewandowski from the captaincy before falling out with the Barcelona striker and stepping down after poor results and backlash.
Southgate showed interest in stepping into the role left by Probierz, making enquiries through his representatives to the Polish FA (PZPN). Yet Cezary Kulesza of PZPN made it clear they will not be appointing Southgate.
Kulesza admitted to Przeglad Sportowy: “We received an offer of his employment but we must remember the basic issue: no foreign coach will give us a guarantee that we will advance to the world championship. If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him right away.”
Cezary Kulesza, poised to appoint his fourth head coach during his presidency tenure, drew parallels with the appointment of former Portugal manager Fernando Santos as he outlined why Gareth Southgate does not factor into his plans. Santos took on the Poland role in January 2023 and his term floundered after just nine difficult months.
“Fernando Santos is a perfect example,” elaborated Kulesza. “Coach with success, big name, everyone applauded, and the verification was surprising and painful for all of us.”
Turning away from high-profile figures like Southgate, Poland is setting its sights on Maciej Skorza. The seasoned Polish coach, who’s currently at the helm of Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds competing in the Club World Cup, has been at the centre of discussions with Kulesza, who recently traveled to the United States for meetings.
The publication invites readers to comment their thoughts on whether Poland should consider appointing Southgate.
Commenting on Skorza’s prospects, Kulesza notes: “If I had to assess, the chances are 50-50.
“Our talks were very specific. The position of national team coach is probably the dream of every coach in Poland.”
Meanwhile, Southgate was previously touted as a contender for the managerial position at Manchester United come 2024. Nonetheless, the exit of his former England colleague Dan Ashworth from Old Trafford casts doubt over any potential move there, especially in light of Ruben Amorim‘s existing leadership.
Southgate mused about his future last December, indicating to the BBC a potential departure from football or sports in general: “I’ve been 37 years a player and coach, and I’m not against the next period of my life being totally different,” pondering the challenge of finding a meaningful pursuit post one of football’s most prestigious jobs. “When you’ve had one of the biggest jobs, how do you follow that up?” he questioned.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk