Bodo/Glimt manager, Kjetil Knutsen has opened up on the recent speculation that Ajax have been speaking to his agents. The Norwegian has also been linked to Celtic as the club looks to replace Ange Postecoglou.
Speaking post-match after his team’s 3-1 away win at Valerenga, Knutsen was asked by the Norwegian press about the links to the third-placed Eredivisie club.
Knutsen said [Nettavisen], “It’s nice to be mentioned and very unpleasant to respond to your speculations.
“I am a coach in Glimt, incredibly proud to work in that team and with that group of players. That’s my focus, and it’s difficult to respond to speculation because that’s really what it is.”
The Bodo manager was then pressed on claims that his agents have been speaking to Ajax and Knutsen’s reply was Ange Postecoglou-like, “Yes, but they haven’t said why they were in contact with my agent. So you’re starting to speculate about that. They may have talked about the weather.
“You’ll have to ask them, I’m not the one to answer that.
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And when asked to comment on whether or not his footballing philosophy matched Ajax’s, Knutsen replied, “I feel that would be wrong.
“There are many great clubs in and outside Norway, and I’m lucky enough to coach an attractive club in Norway, and I’m very happy about that.” [translated by Deep L]
Knutsen was clearly irked at the questioning surrounding his future and there is no doubt that he is highly sought after.
The 54-year-old has won two Norwegian championships with Bodo and currently sit eight points clear, unbeaten at the top of the Eliteserien.
Knutsen would be an attractive option for Celtic due to his championship-winning credentials and his experience managing in Europe.
Celtic will be looking to step up their search in the coming days to fill the vacant managerial role at the club. Although the new season doesn’t kick off until early August, the club won’t want to be embarking on the upcoming Asia Tour without a manager.
In other news, New name emerges in the Celtic manager hunt