Ally McCoist says Celtic could sign Roberto Martinez despite Man United’s interest
Celtic are already considering who will be their next manager after Martin O’Neill ended his second spell as interim manager, and they are desperate to avoid a Wilfried Nancy-esque disaster.
The Hoops are locked in a thrilling title race from now until May, but they are currently in the chase.
Hearts sit five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, closing in on their first title in 66 years and the first Old Firm title since Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen back in 1985.
For Celtic, that is a situation that calls for a strong run.
Score more points, and the Jambos might break out the champagne at Tynecastle.
It has been a turbulent season at Parkhead. Wilfried Nancy was quickly shown the door after being selected as the permanent replacement for Brendan Rodgers, with club legend O’Neill stepping in as interim manager to stabilize things.
And to his great credit, O’Neill has done just that.
This past weekend he guided Celtic to a Scottish Cup win over Rangers at Ibrox on penalties – the second time this season that he knocked them out of the cup.
Celtic have begun planning a summer move to sign 15-goal Premiership rival Chris Sutton
He would wake Celtic up front.
It took 120 minutes and a shootout to settle, with Tavernier and Gassama both missing to send Celtic into the Hampden semi-final against St Mirren.
O’Neill will remain in charge until the end of the season, but the Celtic board are now thinking hard about what’s next.
Whoever takes the job on a permanent basis this summer will inherit a struggling club – a Scottish Cup final likely looming, fans traveling in huge numbers, and the allure of Champions League football if they can reverse that five-point gap and pip Hearts to the title.
That’s still a serious package, and should attract significant names.
Many have already floated, with Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou believed to be one of the suitors for Celtic’s management.
Other words drifted in and out of the conversation. The work carries great prestige, and the manager who brings the silverware here can explain his work.
Celtic may challenge Man United for Portugal coach Roberto Martinez
Which brings us to the name that turned heads this week.
Speaking to talkSPORT Bet Casino, Rangers legend Ally McCoist revealed who has been linked with the Parkhead hotseat – and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez could be a real name to watch out for.
“I see it’s Roberto Martinez,” McCoist said.
“There’s an obvious connection there with Roberto – his wife is from the west of Scotland. I know that’s not saying much, other than they’ve been up there and they know the area.
“But no, what I heard was Martinez.”
It’s an interesting thing.
The Spaniard, 52, is in charge of Portugal but is expected to leave this position.
Previously, he managed Belgium for six years and led them to finish third in the 2018 World Cup. Club football has been absent from his CV since leaving Everton in 2016 – and Celtic could be the perfect way back.
Martinez won the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic in 2013 after beating Man City 1-0 at Wembley, with the tactician also guiding Portugal to the 24/25 UEFA Nations League title.
Shaun Maloney’s continued presence at the Celtic backline only adds to the intrigue.
What makes things even more interesting is that, according to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Martinez is on the list of Man United managers.
For now, though, the bottom line is simple – chase hearts down and make sure there’s still a title to fight for in the final weeks of the season.
Celtic are racing Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund to sign the 18-goal striker in a blockbuster deal now.
The Hoops are keen to sign the striker.
