With Neil Lennon resigning as Celtic manager, the club now have to start preparing to appoint the next man for the job, if they were not doing so already. While John Kennedy has been given the role on an interim basis, it is not expected that he will it on a full-time basis unless the club achieve some extraordinary results from hereon until the end of the season.
One of the people linked with being the next permanent Celtic manager is Rafa Benitez. After ending his spell in China, he is now a free agent and looking for his next club.
While the Hoops will not be able to match the astronomical contract he was on while in China, they will be hoping that the rich history of the club and the opportunity to manage in the Champions League once again will convince him to head to Parkhead, if they are indeed looking at the Spaniard as an option.
Benitez’s recent comments do suggest that it is not about money. Instead, he is looking for an interesting project in European football, which Celtic can certainly be classified as at this stage. As reported by the Daily Record, the manager:
"“I’ve had so many offers in recent weeks, from South America to the Emirates, but that’s not what I’m looking for.“I want to stay in Europe and I want to do so to be competitive at a high level.“I’m looking for a project that will allow me to be competitive and with time and space to grow.”"
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Benitez would be huge for Celtic but can they get him?
Honestly, there is no question that appointing Benitez would be a massive statement on the part of Celtic as they aim to get back to winning the Premiership title once again. But the question is, can they convince him to come to Parkhead?
It is certainly an interesting project and you’d have to believe that someone with the quality of Benitez will be given all the chances in the world to succeed. Thus, the Spaniard’s recent comments are certainly promising for the Hoops, if they are indeed in the running for his signature.
Of course, they won’t be without competition. A number of clubs are expected to be after the manager and as a result, it will be up to Celtic to make sure that they can get the deal over the line.