Could Ange Postecoglou really replace Gareth Southgate? (Photo: Sky Sports/Getty)
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has distanced himself from the reports linking him with replacing Gareth Southgate as England boss.
The quest to find Southgate’s successor is on after he announced his resignation on Tuesday following the Euro 2024 final defeat, bringing to an end his amazing eight-year spell in charge.
Top of the Football Association’s shortlist are the likes of Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino.
But there are plenty of other names under consideration, with the FA not ruling out hiring a foreign manager like Pep Guardiola or Sarina Wiegman.
And, as reported on Wednesday, Postecoglou is also in contention, with the FA impressed by the Australian’s management style and the instant impact he made at Spurs last season.
The North London side finished fifth in the table whilst playing a very-attacking style of football, with Postecoglou praised for quickly turning around their tactics after several years of negative football under Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.
But it seems that England will not be playing ‘Angeball’ any time soon, with the manager saying he has no interest in leaving Tottenham – though he did not rule out taking charge of the Three Lions one day.
Tottenham thrashed Hearts in their first pre-season match (Photo: Getty)
Speaking to Sky Sports after Spurs thrashed Hearts 5-1 in a friendly on Wednesday evening, Postecoglou said: ‘Mate, I’m in the middle of pre-season.
‘I’m the Tottenham manager and I’ve got nothing else [on my mind] but trying to bring success to this football club. And until I do that there’s no point in me thinking about anything else.
Postecoglou won the 2015 Asian Cup with Australia (Photo: Getty)
‘That’s where my focus is completely. I had a nap this afternoon mate. I have no idea what’s going on [with the rumours].’
In his post-match press conference he was again asked if the England job would interest him one day, to which he replied: ‘Five years ago I was in Japan. Now I’m in the Premier League. Who knows where I will be in five years.
Next England manager odds:
Eddie Howe: 2/1
Graham Potter: 5/2
Lee Carsley: 7/2
Jurgen Klopp: 17/2
Mauricio Pochettino: 9/1
Thomas Tuchel: 18/1
Ange Postecoglou: 33/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair
‘I could be back in Japan. I could be on the beach somewhere, hopefully. It’s not something that enters my headspace.
‘I’m Tottenham manager and I’m determined to bring success to this club. Nothing else is on my radar except for that.’
Postecoglou already has experience in international football having managed Australia for four years, winning the 2015 Asian Cup.
He’ll now be prepping Spurs for their next pre-season match against QPR on Saturday, with their 2024/25 campaign kicking off in August against Leicester City.
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