Sir Gareth Southgate has entered the debate surrounding managerial authority in modern football, taking a pop at the situation at Manchester United where Ruben Amorim was sacked at a time when he is linked to the role.
As well as pointing to Amorim's exit at Manchester United, the former England manager also appeared to reference Enzo Maresca's dismissal at Chelsea and Xabi Alonso's firing at Real Madrid as evidence of a troubling pattern.
According to Southgate, whilst each departure occurred under distinct circumstances, "power struggles either with club executives, club employees or players were ultimately the root cause of the end of each tenure".
Amorim's dismissal followed a dispute with United's leadership, whilst Maresca departed Stamford Bridge after clashing with the club's medical department.
Gareth Southgate has been linked to Manchester United | PAAlonso, meanwhile, succumbed to player influence in the Spanish capital.
Southgate's analysis traced the diminishing authority of managers to structural shifts within football clubs over recent years.
"The erosion of a Manager's authority has been a gradual process over many years," he wrote on LinkedIn.
"It has accelerated with the widespread introduction of Football, Technical, or Sporting Directors, who now oversee long-term football strategy, report directly to CEOs or owners (or both), and sit structurally above the Head Coach."
The 55-year-old was careful to note his acceptance of this organisational evolution, however.
Gareth Southgate believes the manager's job has changed drastically
| PA"Personally, I have no issue with this evolution," Southgate stated.
"Strategy, culture, planning, and continuity are critical to success in any organisation - and a football club is no different."
He argued the shift from manager to head coach represents "a subtle, sometimes unintentional, shift in power and status".
Southgate's perspective on this matter stems from personal experience. When offered the England position, he specifically requested his title be designated as manager rather than head coach.
"Even though I consider myself calm, collaborative and confident, I understood the importance of authority, influence and control when leading a football operation," Southgate explained.
The decision proved vindicated during his tenure with the Three Lions. Under his stewardship, England reached the finals of both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, alongside a semi-final appearance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
These performances at the European Championships marked the only occasions England had contested a major tournament final since their 1966 World Cup triumph.
Ruben Amorim was sacked earlier this month, with Darren Fletcher stepping up on a caretaker basis | REUTERSSouthgate departed the role in July 2024 having overseen 102 matches, joining Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsey as the only England managers to reach a century of games.
Beyond his public commentary, Southgate maintains notable connections to Manchester United's current hierarchy.
Reports indicate the former England manager remains in regular contact with Sir David Brailsford, the Ineos Director of Sport, despite Brailsford stepping back from daily involvement in football operations at Old Trafford.
A further link exists through Steve Holland, who served as Southgate's assistant with England and now occupies the same position under interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick will manage Manchester United until the end of the season | GETTYThis connection could prove significant should Southgate enter consideration for the permanent role when United seek a long-term appointment this summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Ineos group are understood to hold Southgate in high regard, though supporters have not been vocal in calling for his appointment.