Joachim Low, the former manager of the German national team, has expressed his interest in taking up the role of England’s head coach. Low, who led Germany to World Cup victory in 2014, would be open to discussing the position with the Football Association (FA) following Gareth Southgate’s resignation. While some fans may prefer Jurgen Klopp, the ex-Liverpool boss has no intention of returning to football at the moment. The FA has compiled a shortlist of potential candidates, which includes English managers such as Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Lee Carsley, but they are not ruling out the possibility of appointing a foreign boss.
Low’s appeal lies in his vast experience with Germany. During his tenure, he guided the team to a third-place finish in the 2010 World Cup and reached the final of Euro 2008. They also defeated England 4-1 in a memorable match during their journey to the semi-finals. His last game as Germany’s manager was a 2-0 defeat to Southgate’s England in the last 16 of Euro 2020 three years ago. Since stepping down, Low has been out of work, while Southgate earned a salary of £5 million per year as England’s manager.
However, it is worth noting that the financial aspect could pose a barrier to Low’s appointment. Klopp, for example, earned £15 million per season at Liverpool, making it financially impractical for the FA to consider him. Nevertheless, Low’s extensive experience and past successes make him an intriguing candidate for the England job.
In terms of Southgate’s legacy, he deserved to win a trophy with England according to Shaun Custis, The Sun’s chief football writer. Custis highlights Southgate’s dedication and passion for the national team, as evidenced by his own experiences as a player and manager. Southgate’s redemption after missing a crucial penalty in Euro 96 would have been complete had England won the Euro 2024 final against Spain. However, despite falling short, Southgate’s achievements should not be seen as a failure. He transformed the perception of the England team and reignited the passion of fans who had become disillusioned with previous managers.
Custis acknowledges that Southgate faced challenges but commends him for creating a new era for England, characterized by unity, transparency, and respect. Southgate believed in the possibility of success and led England to their most successful run since their World Cup victory in 1966. Under his leadership, the team provided entertainment, improved their performance in penalty shootouts, and gave fans a reason to be proud. Importantly, Southgate conducted himself with integrity and treated everyone he encountered with respect.
In conclusion, Joachim Low’s interest in the England job adds an intriguing dimension to the search for a new head coach. While Klopp may be a popular choice among some fans, his current lack of interest in returning to football makes Low a more realistic option. The FA’s shortlist includes several English managers, but they are open to considering foreign candidates. Ultimately, Southgate’s legacy should be one of achievement and transformation, as he restored faith in the England team and left a lasting impact on the nation’s footballing culture.