"Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola aren't gonna do it" - John Barnes on why England should appoint ex-Chelsea boss as Gareth Southgate's replacement
John Barnes wants former Chelsea manager Graham Potter to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager because the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are unrealistic candidates. The Three Lions are searching for a new coach, and several past and present Premier League coaches are being considered.
Barnes spoke to Sky Sports about who should replace Southgate after he resigned post-Euro 2024. His side's heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Spain in the final spelled the end of his eight-year reign.
The Liverpool legend thinks Potter is the best choice and alluded to his philosophy and squad planning at Brighton & Hove Albion. He compared it to Guardiola and Klopp:
"Graham Potter (should be next England manager). If you talk about creating an identity and a system of play all you need the examples of are Guardiola and Klopp. Completely different, completely different style players. He wants hardworking midfield players, he wants more technical players, but every player has to understand their role in the team. He didn't say 'well lets just pick the best players."
Barnes raised concerns regarding the pressure of being England manager and team selections. He suggested leaving a star man out leads to massive scrutiny from the media and fans.
The former 79-cap Three Lions international was asked whether Potter's philosophy might not match the country's desire for star players to be selected. He struggled to find any coach that might do this:
"Who would do that? (Constantly pick the best players). Then you're talking about Eddie Howe, secondly, whoever else you're looking at unless you're gonna pay them five times what the England manager's earning, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola and people like that aren't going to do it."
Potter earned plaudits during his reign at Brighton as he worked well, blending youth with experience. He consolidated the Seagulls as a mid-table Premier League club, overseeing 43 wins in 134 games. He laid the foundations for them to go on to UEFA Europa League qualification.
However, the English tactician's stock fell when he took the Chelsea job in September 2022. He lasted just six months at Stamford Bridge before being sacked with a record of 12 wins in 31 games.
England-linked Graham Potter is ready to return to management after break following Chelsea sacking
Potter says he's ready to get back into management after taking time off after being dismissed by Chelsea. He is looking forward to getting back in the dugout (SussexWorld):
"Now I'm in that good place where I'm happy to be ready and looking forward to the next challenge. I've had a great break."
Potter remained tight-lipped about replacing Southgate as England boss:
"Today was not the day to discuss it."
Potter is the most attainable candidate on the English FA's list, given that he isn't tied to any job at present. The former Chelsea boss fits the mold of a Three Lions coach and worked with England's former technical director, Dan Ashworth, at Brighton.
The FA have yet to conduct any interviews over the job as the national team reflects on another missed opportunity. Southgate's departure comes after taking his troops to their second consecutive European Championship final but ending in heartbreak.