It is fair to say that it has been a tumultuous season for Celtic in the dugout. Brendan Rodgers began the campaign, but was then replaced by Martin O'Neill on an interim basis. Wilfried Nancy then came in, but soon the Hoops had to bring back O'Neill.
Celtic fans will expect their club to finally get its next managerial appointment right. Here we are ranking possible candidates.
How the candidates were ranked
- Tactical fit - Would they be able to get the best out of this group?
- Winning mentality - What have they won so far?
- European pedigree - Have they got experience in Europe?
- Squad development - What players have they developed?
- Realistic availability - Would they come to Celtic?
Robbie Keane is the weakest fit for Celtic
Robbie Keane is being mentioned as he is a former Celtic player who is currently doing well with Ferencvaros. Culturally appointing Keane would be a concern to many supporters. He got a lot of criticism for working for the Israeli side, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
A lot of Hoops fans are pro-Palestine, which could lead to backlash if Keane were appointed. This is why he ranks last despite having a 61.25% win record at the Hungarian side. His deal length with Ferencvaros is currently undisclosed.
Craig Bellamy would be a risky gamble
Craig Bellamy has earned a lot of respect for the work he has done with Wales. They were unbeaten in their first nine games under Bellamy. However, they ended up not qualifying for the World Cup, and this has been his only role as a manager.
Celtic fans could get behind him as he is a former player, but his limited experience would be a concern. His deal with Wales runs until 2028, which takes him through to after the Euros of that year. Links appear more speculative due to Bellamy being an ex-Celtic player.
Kjetil Knutsen offers an intriguing alternative
Kjetil Knutsen's Bodo/Glimt have burst onto the European scene in recent seasons. They got to the Europa League semi-finals last season. Whilst this season in the Champions League, they defeated Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan. His attacking style of play would suit Celtic.
It would be difficult for Celtic to get him, as he has been with Bodo/Glimt since 2018. He is also contracted to them until 2029. Knutsen has won the Norwegian league four times with the club. Knutsen has been linked with Celtic for some time now.
Jens Berthel Askou has the profile Celtic usually want
Jens Berthel Askou won the Danish League as the assistant manager of Copenhagen. He also won the country's second tier as the manager of Horsens. The manager also guided Havnar Bóltfelag to winning the Faroe Islands Premier League.
Askou's teams play high-intensity soccer, as we have seen with his Motherwell side in the Scottish Premiership this season. His Motherwell side has done very well on a limited budget by Askou's smart recruitment and trust in young players. There is genuine interest from Celtic in Askou.
Roberto Martinez would excite supporters immediately
Roberto Martinez likes possession-based attacking soccer. He would have European ambitions, having managed two top international sides on the continent, Belgium and now Portugal. Martinez won the 2024/25 Nations League with Portugal.
He has ties to Scotland as his wife is from the country; they met when he played for Motherwell. Martinez also managed Celtic's current assistant, Shaun Maloney, when he was at Wigan Athletic.
Martinez is contracted to Portugal until after the World Cup, so he would not be able to start immediately this summer. Links appear to be more speculative as he is a manager who is likely to be available after the tournament.
Top three potential Celtic managers |
|---|
1. Jens Berthel Askou |
2. Kjetil Knutsen |
3. Roberto Martinez |
Jens Berthel Askou is the best option for Celtic
Askou tops the ranking due to the manager having the most recent experience in Scottish soccer. He knows the division, having managed Motherwell this season, where they are currently fourth, only behind Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers. Last season, before Askou arrived, they were a bottom-half side.
If Askou can turn Motherwell into a top-four side, then he would surely turn Celtic back into a side that would win the Scottish Premiership comfortably. Askou would sure Celtic up defensively. He would free up the midfield and get players to overload in attacking areas.
He suits Celtic domestically as he has already produced a good team in the Scottish Premiership. Askou would also be a good fit for the Hoops on the continent as he has played for and managed clubs across Europe.
The biggest challenge to securing him is that Motherwell will be reluctant to let him go to a rival. He has a deal with the club until 2027. They would want to be compensated financially if Celtic were to prize him away. However, if the Hoops want to return to being the best team in Scotland, then they should be able to recruit the best manager in the division.
Celtic should prioritize someone who has already had success in Scotland. The appointment of Nancy was a disaster despite his success in MLS. Former players and big-name coaches are tempting options, but not always the right fit.
Who do you think should be the next Celtic manager?
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