Martin Laursen has ruled out returning as Aston Villa boss this summer but admits it would be "a dream" for him to take charge in the future.
Former Denmark international Laursen was forced to quit Villa and retire three years ago because of a knee problem.
There has been speculation linking Laursen with a return to Villa but he is currently taking his coaching badges while part of the staff at Danish side Sollerod-Vedbaek.
Laursen said: "That (the speculation) is flattering but it (Villa) is too soon for me, I'm afraid.
"I'm taking my coaching badges in Denmark and coaching at Sollerod to get some experience.
"It is going well but to manage Villa is too early. In the future, that would be a dream for me.
"Fans know how much I love Villa, a great club."
Laursen believes it is crucial Villa owner Randy Lerner finds a successor to the sacked Alex McLeish who will earn the backing of the fans by playing attractive football.
Villa are continuing their hunt to replace McLeish after initially interviewing former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Brendan Rodgers of Swansea and Paul Lambert of Norwich also among the potential candidates.
Laursen added: "I believe the key is to bring someone in who will get the fans right behind the club again.
"Villa need to get someone in that has a hunger, drive and desire and who will look to play attractive football.
"That will get the supporters onside. That is the most important thing.
"I am confident Randy Lerner and [chief executive] Paul Faulkner will get things right with the appointment. They are good people who care about the club."
