Former England coach Gareth Southgate said his departure brings hope for the future success of the national team.
Southgate left the national team in July, two days after the defeat against Spain (2:1) in the final of the European Championship. He was a coach for eight years and led the team to two consecutive finals of the European Championships and the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the World Championships.
He said that playing for the national team, and then leading it, is a great honor for him and that it means everything to him.
The Football Association of England is looking for a coach, and the team is temporarily led by Li Karsli, who achieved both victories at the beginning of the League of Nations, against Ireland (2:0) and Finland (2:0).
"It was the right time for a change. Now you see the hope that change can bring. I'm happy with it. Eight years is a long time and I'm looking forward to different challenges. It's been an incredible eight-year journey. It's been a privilege to work with brilliant players. I wanted that the last part, we achieved so much and it would be perfect if we won the final. I'm sure the team will be successful," Southgate told Sky.
He added that the team raised the bar of expectations and that the goal was for the national team to return to the top of the world, which was done.
Southgate said that he does not pay attention to the comments about the current composition of the team since he has finished that job and added that he will not rush to make a decision about a new job.
"I have many opportunities. I'm open-minded about what's next, in football or outside of it. I'll rest a bit and we'll see. I haven't talked to Premier League clubs. People know I have to get my strength back and enjoy life. I don't want to rush, I have to to make good decisions," he said.
"I enjoy many experiences and there are charities that I would like to support that are important to me. There are opportunities outside of football that I am also interested in," Southgate added.
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