The “unbelievable” attacking manager has now emerged as the frontrunner to replace Martin O’Neill at Celtic this summer.
Hoops are planning for life after O’Neill
Speaking after the last-minute victory at Kilmarnock earlier this month, O’Neill made it clear that his side’s habit of leaving it late needs to change, saying: “It’s not sustainable. There’s no question about it. It is, absolutely. No, personally, I think we showed spirit.
“I think the boys are moving on. But in the end, it seems like it’s something you’re already planning. It’s not. It’s not. And it’s not good at all in my heart.”
Since then, the Hoops’ luck has run out, they were beaten 4-1 at home to VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of the Europa League play-off, before losing 2-1 to Hibernian at Parkhead on Sunday.
The 55-time Scottish Premiership champions are still in contention for the title, but the current crop of players cannot be compared to the top teams of yesteryear, meaning whoever replaces O’Neill on a temporary basis in the summer could have a big job on their hands.
According to Football Insider, Celtic are starting to narrow down their shortlist, having identified Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez as the two frontrunners for the job.
The aforementioned duo are ahead of the likes of Graham Potter and Robbie Keane in the management’s thinking, with Askou coming out on top, after receiving high praise for his work in his first season in Scotland.
Askou could be O’Neill’s “unbelievable” successor.
Celtic writer Ryan McGinlay is not the only person impressed by the Motherwell boss, with East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy saying: “When you spend time in his company you quickly realize that he is a coach/manager with incredible skills. Beneath this cast is his characteristics as a person, he has an aura about him.”
As the Scottish Premiership is closely watched this season, there are many chances that the Steelmen will still be able to fight for the title, as they are currently sitting in fourth place, only four points behind the Hoops.
|
Jens Berthel Askou’s record at Motherwell |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
36 |
|
It wins |
20 |
|
Drawings |
11 |
|
Loss |
5 |
|
Points per game |
1.97 |
The Dane has also excelled in his previous managerial role, winning a total of four trophies with Danish clubs AC Horsens and FC Copenhagen, as well as Faroese side HB Torshavn.
Admittedly, the 43-year-old is yet to prove himself at the highest level, unlike Martinez, who has plenty of experience in the Premier League, but Askou could be an exciting, left-back appointment for Celtic.
Celtic management are now in talks to hire the international manager who has won 47 Premier League games
Boys can go.
