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Graham Potter ‘snubs two Premier League jobs’ because of Gareth Southgate
Graham Potter has been out of work for the last 14 months since leaving Chelsea but the 49-year-old is in no rush of securing a return to management in the near future
Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter is in no rush of returning to the dugout because he is waiting on whether the England job becomes available.
Potter left Chelsea in April 2023 after just seven months in charge. He had started the campaign at Brighton but moved to Stamford Bridge and endured a difficult time in west London, winning just 12 of his 31 matches at the helm as the Blues ended up finishing 12th – their lowest ever Premier League finish.
Despite that, Potter has been linked with several managerial roles within the last 14 months, including Ajax, Napoli and Nice. Now, the 49-year-old is on the hitlist at old club Brighton as they seek a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, and Leicester, who are preparing to lose Enzo Maresca.
Although Potter is being paid well during his gardening leave from Chelsea, his key reason for delaying his return to management is the potential of succeeding Gareth Southgate in the England dugout, according to The Sun. Potter is also an option at Manchester United if Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to replace Erik ten Hag.
It’s reported that Potter would take the United job if asked – but his main aim is to take charge of England. Southgate, who is out of contract at the end of this year, has paused discussions over his future until after Euro 2024 as he eyes securing their first major tournament success since 1966.
Potter has spoken to many clubs over the past couple of months to gather information, rather than actively trying to get a new position. He has been on an upward trajectory ever since starting his professional management career at Ostersunds in Sweden, having then moved to England with Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea.
England kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign in two weeks time when they face Serbia in their opening group fixture. Before that, the Three Lions face Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on Monday before taking on Iceland at Wembley in their final warm-up game ahead of the tournament.
Speaking before the game in Newcastle on Monday, Southgate said: “Bringing the team on the road is something that we’ve enjoyed doing. Of course, to play at Wembley for your country is very special, so you never want to lose that aspect. We’ve got a nice contrast this week of being able to do both things.
“But we’re England. We represent everybody. I’ve obviously played in the North East and know how passionate people are here about their football.
“Newcastle, with the last couple of seasons they’ve had and the momentum behind them, but there’ll be a lot of Sunderland fans up there and Middlesbrough fans. It will be a brilliant night. Really looking forward to that.”
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