Jermain Defoe says he is ready for a first-team management role after leaving Tottenham’s academy.
Since retiring from playing in 2022, Defoe had been working as a youth coach with his former club’s Under-17s and then U-21s sides as he completes his coaching badges.
He announced his decision to leave Spurs last week and has now revealed he is ready for a first-team management role.
The 40-year-old, who scored 163 goals in 496 Premier League appearances as a striker, told Sky Sports News: “I just feel at this moment in time now I feel like I’m ready for a first-team environment.
“I did two years there at the academy and it was really good, some great young players. For me it was good to get that exposure but I feel like right now I’m ready for a first-team environment.
‘I don’t want to get a job because it’s giving a black person an opportunity, I want to get a job because I’m good enough’
Jermain Defoe speaks candidly as he looks to take the next step in his career. pic.twitter.com/ARLYT5rAur
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 24, 2024
“I think when you have gone to an experienced place like Tottenham and worked with some experienced coaches like I’ve just mentioned, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do anyway.
“At the back end of my career I always wanted to go into management and do my badges and see where it takes me.”
No discussions over joining Ange
Defoe spoke of his admiration for the job Ange Postecoglou with the Spurs first-team since arriving last summer but admitted there were no talks over him linking up with the Australian’s backroom staff.
“There were no discussions”, the former England goalscorer added.
“Obviously I was at the academy. I was focused on doing work in the academy with coaches I’ve just mentioned.
“You understand at football clubs managers have got their staff and people they have worked with before, people who have come into the building.
“Obviously I’m still on my journey. The coaches that have come in obviously I wish them all the best but in terms of a discussion, an opportunity wasn’t there for me.”
