Ange Postecoglou says his “work is not done” at Tottenham Hotspur amid links with the vacant England manager role.
Gareth Southgate announced on Tuesday he was stepping down as England manager following nearly eight years in charge, and Postecoglou was subsequently mentioned in reports as one of the contenders to take over.
The Athletic reported Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are the two leading candidates to succeed Southgate, while the Football Association’s technical director John McDermott, a key figure in the recruitment process, also worked closely with Mauricio Pochettino during the pair’s time at Tottenham. The FA is determined to cast the net as wide as possible to find the right candidate.
“I was having a nap this afternoon so I’ve got no idea (about the England links),” Postecoglou said. “I’m Tottenham manager and I’m determined to bring success to this club like I have with every club I have been at. That’s where my focus is totally.”
He continued: “We haven’t achieved anything (at Tottenham) yet. So until we achieving something my work is not done.”
Postecoglou was appointed Tottenham manager in the summer of 2023 and guided the club to a fifth place Premier League finish during his debut season in charge. His Spurs contract runs until 2027.
The 58-year-old spent four years in international management as Australia head coach between 2013 and 2017. He led the team at the 2014 World Cup and was at the helm as Australia won the Asian Cup for the first time in 2015.
Asked if the England job would one day appeal to him, Postecoglou replied: “Five years ago I was in Japan and now I’m in the Premier League. Who knows where I will be in five years. 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.”
Southgate’s resignation came two days after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
England are next in action against the Republic of Ireland in a Nations League fixture on September 7. The FA hopes to have a new permanent manager in place by then but is confident it has interim solutions if it does not.
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