Celtic eyeing Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou after Ange Postecoglou comparison
Celtic are believed to be targeting a manager who has been compared to ex-Boys boss Ange Postecoglou.
Celtic are suffering from a bad week as the Bhoys think about the future
Seven days, two defeats at home, six points at the top of the Scottish Premiership, the Europa League hope to be over, fans throwing tennis balls onto the pitch in protest at their club’s board.
It has been, by any measure, a bad week at Celtic Park.
It started last Thursday when VfB Stuttgart came to Glasgow’s East End and ran away with a stunning 4-1 victory, ending Celtic’s fading hopes of progressing to the Europa League Last 16.
The match was stopped in its first minutes as fans threw tennis balls onto the court in a show of anger in the team room.
In the second half, they played goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Martin O’Neill tried to be defiant in his post-match press conference, but tried to hide the extent of the setback.
Then Sunday came. Celtic, licking their wounds, welcome Hibs to Glasgow in a key Premiership game.
“Big loss” – Celtic star ruled out for weeks with injury after win over Kilmarnock
The Hoops secured an incredible three points…
O’Neill has been unbeaten at home since returning to the club. That record no longer exists.
Auston Trusty’s red card midway through the second half changed the complexion of the game completely, and substitute Kai Andrews scored the winner late on in the 87th minute. Hibs’ first win at Parkhead in 16 years.
Celtic are now six points adrift of league leaders Hearts, following challenging fixtures including the Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
The title hasn’t passed them by yet, but the approach to both defeats, the home atmosphere, and the growing disconnect between the board and supporters has created a situation that feels increasingly fragile.
It is because of this turmoil that new information has emerged about who Celtic could turn to if they decide a new manager is needed.
Postecoglou has already ruled himself out as the next Celtic manager, but according to the former player, they could turn to someone with similar tactics.
Celtic want Motherwell coach Jens Berthel Askou as their next manager
Indeed, former Celtic midfielder Paul Slane, speaking on the Open Goal podcast, shared details of their interest in Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou.
When Ferry asked if he thought Askou might end up at Celtic, Slane’s answer left room for ambiguity.
“I think Celtic want him, I know that,” he said.
“I heard that he is their man, but whether there are other options for this boy. You don’t know. What is happening to Celtic with his employment? And this side. Will that fire him? I don’t know. But if I were Celtic, I would go and get him right now.”
The Danish coach had an impressive season at Motherwell, guiding the Steelmen to third place in the Premiership in what has been one of the most impressive Scottish football managers in recent years.
No other side in Europe have kept more clean sheets this season than Motherwell, with Andy Halliday even comparing his style of play to that of the great Ange.
“[It’s] Unbelievable. And, you know, you’re like big football fans,” Halliday told talkSPORT.
“For me, I’ve never seen a team in Scottish football, apart from Ange’s Celtic, playing the type of football that Motherwell is playing at the moment.”
His work at Fir Park has been recognised, and Slane’s comments will fuel speculation about his future.
The paradox is amazing. Celtic are chasing a coach who has made a name for himself in just an hour – at a club with half his resources – while their season threatens to unravel.
There is no doubt that Askou could be tempted by the prospect of a move to Celtic, but time will tell if the Hoops make a serious move.
Celtic are now leading the race to sign the “excellent” 17-goal and “outstanding” former Inverness striker.
Hoops are in the shape of a pole.
