“He’s going to be a success” – Celtic have a knack for making a “big statement” by appointing an FA Cup winner
Celtic are set to make a ‘big statement’ by appointing a former Premier League manager who ‘could be a real success’ for them.
Celtic have identified candidates for their next manager
Celtic’s managerial search has been a drawn-out, sometimes tumultuous affair – the result of a season that began with Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation in October, followed by Wilfried Nancy’s one-month disaster, and only slightly strengthened by the short-term intervention of Martin O’Neill.
With the 74-year-old set to step down at the end of the campaign, and the title being linked to Hearts for the first time in years, this pending vacancy calls for a decision of real conviction.
There are many words that go around.
The appointment of Robbie Keane has caused quite a stir, with former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness charging that the former Ireland captain represents a political and unifying appointment that could bridge the fractured relationship between the fans and the board.
Jens Berthel Askou from Motherwell maintains genuine support for what could be a smart move for someone who has shown he can in Scotland.
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The Old Firm both want him.
Both are honest in their own ways, but they don’t carry the profile of the name in terms of development elsewhere.
Celtic have been told they have made a ‘huge statement’ by signing Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez is an excellent host. Or at least, that consensus is growing in some areas.
Now, one man who knows the 52-year-old better than most has added his voice to the debate, with a warm assessment of his assurances but accompanied by a visible warning that the Celtic board would be wise not to dismiss him.
Gareth Barry made more than 100 appearances under Martinez during the Spaniard’s three-year stay at Everton, and spoke at length about his former boss this week, per The Daily Record.
His summary of what Celtic will get is compelling.
“Getting Roberto Martinez would be a big statement for Celtic,” said Barry.
“The way Roberto Martinez’s managerial career has gone, I can see that happening. He’s had a couple of years without doing anything on a day-to-day basis with international duties.
“Having worked at Everton, he completely lives and breathes football, he knows every player, he knows every strategy.
“I think he will be successful there. He will develop the players coming into the team. It will be in line with their style of wanting to develop young players, to push them forward at times.
“I can actually see that happening and see why he’s one of the favorites for this job.”
Martinez is currently Portugal’s head coach, having guided the Selecção to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup and the last eight of Euro 2024.
His contract expires at the end of this summer’s World Cup – when Portugal face Uzbekistan, Colombia and DR Congo in their group – leaving him available and hungry for a return to club football.
The link through Shaun Maloney, who worked with Martinez in the Belgian system before joining Celtic’s backroom, is an inside thread that offers even more speculation.
Martinez was also spotted at Fir Park watching Motherwell beat Celtic 2-0 earlier in the season.
Barry’s insightful portrait of Martinez, taken from experience, provides a useful insight into what Celtic fans can expect.
The Spaniard focuses on possession and is unashamedly attacking – although the defensive work required by the style often falls to the central midfielders rather than the wide players, the system Barry had at Goodison Park.
“Based on my time at Everton with him, the two midfielders were always doing 13k a game because they were the ones who had to go out and put out the fire, the midfielders were always waiting,” explained Barry.
“He loved his attacking players and used the ball so much, you had to get a certain number of passes before you could go forward. Everton fans didn’t buy that because they were used to David Moyes – balls in the box, headers.”
All this said, the golden generation of Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel and others, the plant considered the most gifted in the modern era of European football, has never given a major trophy under Martinez.
For Celtic, where winning is the least expected and home dominance is fundamental, that question of whether Martinez can cross the finish line is one that must be answered before a selection is made.
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