Gareth Southgate’s bid to become Poland boss REJECTED with Polish FA breaking silence on his shock bid at dugout return

GARETH SOUTHGATE’S bid to become Poland boss has been rejected, claims Polish FA chief Cezary Kulesza.

Sensational reports this week alleged that Southgate, 54, had applied to become the new Poland manager following Michal Probierz’s resignation.

Probierz left the role following a bust-up with star man Robert Lewandowski.

Southgate, who has been unemployed since leaving his Three Lions post following Euro 2024, surprisingly emerged as a contender for the role.

But according to Kulesza, the former England boss has been overlooked due to his reluctance to guarantee success.

Speaking to Polish paper Przeglad Sportowy, Kulesza said of Southgate: “We have received an offer to hire him.

“But we must remember one basic thing: no foreign coach will give us a guarantee that we will qualify for the World Cup.

“If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him immediately.”

Southgate left his role as England manager just two days after the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

He said at the time: “It’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”

The former England boss has since been knighted, but has not yet returned to the dugout.

Southgate was linked with the Manchester United job last October, but admitted that he was in no rush to return to management.

Poland, meanwhile, are targeting Maciej Skorza.

The 53-year-old previously worked as Pawel Janas’ assistant with the national team, and has coached in the Polish top flight.

Skorza is currently boss of Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds, who narrowly lost 2-1 to Inter Milan at the Club World Cup last night.

Kulesza is keen on making a domestic appointment, following the disastrous 10-month reign of former Portugal and Greece manager Fernando Santos.

The Polish FA Chief said: “Fernando Santos is a perfect example.

“A successful coach, a big name, everyone applauded, and the verification was surprising and painful for all of us.”

Santos, 70, lasted just six games in 2023, with defeats against Moldova, Albania and Czechia sealing his fate.

The veteran’s stodgy football and reluctance to attend Polish league matches saw him axed.