Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel has named his pick for the next England manager, a former Chelsea head coach who has been linked to the job.

Gareth Southgate left his position as the team’s manager after leading the team to a final defeat against Spain at the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany.

Southgate was in charge for eight years and led the team to four major international tournaments, the 2020 and 2024 Euros and the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The players expressed their gratitude to their manager in a series of recorded phone messages shared on social media by the team’s official accounts, underlining how much he is respected.

The search for a new manager for the Three Lions is ongoing, and several names, including local and foreign coaches, have been linked to the position, with the team looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi, speaking on the Obi One Podcast, has named three managers he will consider for the job before picking his favourite and explained why

He urged the English FA to make a quick decision to allow whoever the new manager is to have the time to implement his brand of football before the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Mikel Obi’s pick for the England manager role is a former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager had two spells at Chelsea, between 2009 and 2011 and 2021 and 2022, winning one Premier League title, one FA Cup, and one Community Shield.

Ancelotti is currently the manager of Real Madrid, having won the Champions League last season, a feat that has led to a lot of speculation about him being the perfect replacement for Southgate.

Mikel Obi, who played under Ancelotti at Chelsea, believes that the Italian manager is the perfect fit for the England job, highlighting his experience and ability to get the best out of his players.

Mikel Obi added that Ancelotti has a proven track record of success at the highest level, with a knack for getting the best out of his players. The Italian manager has also been linked to the England job in the past, with some pundits believing that he would be the ideal candidate to lead the team to success.

While Ancelotti is a strong candidate for the job, he is not the only manager who is being considered. The English FA is expected to make a decision on the next manager in the coming weeks.

The Ancelotti Factor

Ancelotti has long been admired for his ability to manage big egos and get the best out of talented squads. He has a proven track record of success at some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. Ancelotti's style of play is also known to be very effective, with his teams often playing an attractive and attacking brand of football.

Ancelotti’s Style of Play

Ancelotti’s style of play is characterized by a fluid attacking style that is built on possession and intricate passing movements. His teams are also known for their tactical flexibility, with the ability to adapt their game plan to suit different opponents and situations. This makes him a very attractive prospect for any team, and England is no exception.

Mikel Obi’s Insights

Mikel Obi's insights are interesting, especially given his experience playing under Ancelotti at Chelsea. His endorsement of Ancelotti as the next England manager is significant, as it adds weight to the growing speculation surrounding the Italian's possible appointment. Mikel Obi's perspective, combined with Ancelotti's proven track record, could make the Italian a frontrunner for the England job.

A Strong Contender

Ancelotti's experience, success, and ability to manage big egos make him a strong contender for the England job. He is also a popular choice among fans and pundits, and his appointment would be seen as a major coup for the English FA. It remains to be seen whether Ancelotti will be the next England manager, but his name is certainly at the top of the list of potential candidates.

What Happens Next?

The English FA is expected to make a decision on the next England manager in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see who they choose and how they plan to move forward with the team. The FA has a lot of work to do to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and the appointment of a new manager is the first step in that process.