The search for a manager to replace Maurizio Sarri is on already at Chelsea, according to reports, and England boss Gareth Southgate has been penciled in as one of the favorites for the role.
But the Three Lions head coach has rubbished claims he could be in line for the hot seat at Stamford Bridge. Southgate is currently on duty with the England national team, assisted by former Chelsea coach Steve Holland. The pair are rumored to be on the Chelsea shortlist as replacements for Sarri and his backroom staff who are said to be on their way to Juventus this summer.
When asked ahead of Sunday’s Nations League third-place play-off against Switzerland, Southgate denied he has considered any offers from the Blues, maintaining he is focused on finishing his contract which runs until 2022.
“No. I’m committed to England, simple as that. I don’t need to hedge my bets in keeping doors open or keeping things alive. There’s no way that I would leave England at this moment in time, to take any job. The only thing on my mind is that we’ve got a European Championship next summer and we’ve got to keep improving this team to be the best possible team we can be for the country.
We brought 20,000 fans to Portugal which is remarkable, a sign of their engagement with the team and believe in what we’re trying to do. So why would I rush to leave that opportunity and chance to affect not just the football but the other parts that the role brings? My sole focus is producing the best team possible for England.”
Gareth Southgate, Guardian
Southgate led England to fourth-place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, further enhancing his reputation as one of the best managers in world football.
