Graham Potter has expressed his readiness to return to football management amid reports that he is a leading candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager. Southgate resigned on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Potter, 49, who last managed Chelsea until his sacking in April 2023, is being touted as a strong contender to take over. Other names in the mix include Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley.
Having managed Ostersund, Swansea, and Brighton before his stint at Chelsea, Potter said he has been waiting for the “right opportunity” and feels prepared to return to the game. “Now I’m in that good place where I’m happy to be ready and looking forward to the next challenge,” Potter told Sky Sports. “I’ve had a great break. The journey from where I started to where I finished doesn’t come for free. It involves moving three countries, with a young family, and all that comes with being a football manager.”
Reflecting on his hiatus, Potter emphasized the importance of taking time off to “reflect and re-energise.” He added, “It’s been 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.”
When directly asked about the England job after receiving an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University, Potter told BBC Radio Leeds, “Today was not the day” to discuss it but praised Southgate’s tenure, saying, “There isn’t anyone in the country more respected in football than Gareth.”
Southgate’s eight-year tenure as England manager saw the men’s team reach a World Cup quarter-final and semi-final and two consecutive Euros finals. Upon resigning, Southgate said, “It’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”