Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been turned away in his bid to return to international football management – with Poland rejecting his offer to become their new head coach.
Southgate led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final during his eight years at the helm, stepping down last summer after Euro 2024 final heartbreak against Spain.
The 54-year-old insisted last year he was in ‘no rush’ to return to management but Polish daily newspaper Przeglad Sportowy this week claimed Southgate submitted an application to take the reins at Poland.
In an interview with the same publication, the president of the Polish Football Association, Cezary Kulesza, has confirmed the former defender was interested in the role. But with ‘no guarantee of success’ in employing a foreign coach, Southgate’s application was rejected.
‘We have received an offer to hire him, but we must remember one basic thing: no foreign coach will give us a guarantee that we will qualify for the World Cup,’ Kulesza said.
‘If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him immediately.’
Kulesza pointed to the example of Fernando Santos’ recent reign in charge as Poland boss to support his reasoning for not considering Southgate.
Santos managed his home country Portugal for eight years following a stellar career at club level across Europe. But his disastrous spell in charge of Poland lasted less than 10 months, criticised for poor performances and not attending Polish league matches.
‘Fernando Santos is a perfect example,’ Kulesza said. ‘A successful coach, a big name, everyone applauded, and the verification was surprising and painful for all of us.’
Poland are instead hoping to appoint Maciej Skorża. The experienced coach is in charge of Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds who are currently competing in the Club World Cup in the United States.
Poland are looking for a new head coach after the sudden resignation of Michal Probierz last week.
His decision came after Robert Lewandowski, the country’s record goalscorer, said he would not play for his country while Probierz is in charge.
Southgate meanwhile was briefly linked with the Manchester United job last year but indicated last October he would take at least a year out of the game.
‘I won’t coach in the next year for sure, I’m certain of that,’ Southgate said in October.
‘I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.
‘I’m enjoying my life, so there’s no rush. I’m fortunate that there are lots of opportunities presenting themselves.’