Graham Potter has said he is “ready” to return to football management, amid speculation he could be in contention to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The former Chelsea manager has been unemployed since 2023, when he left the west London club.
He told Sky Sports News he has spoken to a number of clubs since then but is waiting for the right opportunity to return to management.
However, amid reports that he could be considered 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 that I was patient and waited for the right opportunity and spent time with my family to reflect and think about what I wanted to do.
“Now I’m in that good place, happy to be ready and looking forward to the next challenge.”
Along with Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, Potter is seen as one of the favorites to replace Southgate.
Graham Potter and Eddie Howe are seen as candidates to become England’s next manager. Photos: PA
Speaking as he received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University, he avoided giving a direct answer about working with the national team.
Potter, who also managed Brighton and Swansea, added: “Today is not the day to talk about [the England vacancy]. I’m proud of the work Gareth Southgate he did.
“As an Englishman in football, I don’t think there is anyone who has more respect than him, the way he behaved, him and his team, qualifying for tournaments, going deep in tournaments, putting the country behind the team, he finished incredible work.
“I’d like to wish him the best of luck, I hope he has a good break and I wish him the best of luck for whatever he decides to do next.”
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Southgate established himself as one of the most successful English managers of all time during his eight years in charge.
He is credited by many with transforming the image of the national team, as well as turning it into a force in 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 SpainIn a statement released by England’s official X account, Southgate announced he was stepping down.
He said: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honor of my life to play for England and coach England. It meant everything to me and I gave it my all.
“But it’s time for a change and a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England coach.”
Earlier this week, Sky News revealed that the FA plans to interview several candidates who meet the criteria to succeed Southgate.
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