Jens Berthel Askou is getting a lot of plaudits for the work he is doing at Motherwell, and the obvious Celtic links are appearing.
One man who has watched Askou work his magic up close and personal is Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday, and he was talking about his boss on Open Goal, alongside Jamie Murphy, Si Ferry, and Paul Slane.
Murphy stated that Askou has been the ‘standout’ manager in Scotland this season, before Halliday chipped in and explained that the Danish coach is better suited to Celtic than Rangers because the supporters at Parkhead would ‘buy into a lot more’ the way he wants to play.
“I think Rangers are the type of fanbase that wants to see their team win,” said Halliday. “For me, Celtic would rather their team win, but win well.”
Given that Celtic are looking for a new manager in the summer, it won’t be Martin O’Neill because he has ruled himself out, so you can understand why these Askou links are being talked up.
Would you take Jens Berthel Askou in the event that Martin O’Neill leaves Celtic in the summer?
Celtic told to make contact with Jens Berthel Askou to be their next manager
Celtic going for a coach who isn’t proven on the European level isn’t rare, but bringing somebody in from within Scotland would be.
Either way, if Celtic appointed Askou as their boss, Ferry explained that he would leave his gig as part of the coaching staff at East Kilbride to watch the champions of Scotland in action.
It’s not just Motherwell being in the title race that has resulted in Askou getting plaudits, but the manner in which the Steelmen have been playing this season.
Celtic haven’t just dominated for a very long time; they have also done it by playing some serious football.
Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Celtic is a prime example of that, and he knew less of the Scottish game than Askou does now.
Jamie Murphy: “100% (Celtic should go for Askou). If they don’t attempt to even speak to him, then there is something wrong with that. He has been the standout manager this year.”
Si Ferry: “I would chuck East Kilbride (works as a coach) and go and watch Celtic every week, if he gets the job. I would love to see it. That’s how you would love to see Celtic play. It’s perfect.”
Murphy: “Do you think that’s harder to do than with Celtic than a Motherwell?”
Andy Halliday: “I think it’s harder to do it with Rangers. Rangers fans just don’t buy into it. They just don’t want to see their goalkeeper on the ball.
“You saw it with Russell Martin when Jack Butland was standing on the ball. Waiting for people to rotate. The crowd goes.
“Whereas I think Celtic would buy into it a lot more. I think Rangers are the type of fanbase that wants to see their team win.
“For me, Celtic would rather their team win, but win well.”
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