Celtic’s next managerial move has already sparked concern, with ex-Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands making it clear why he believes the Hoops could become far stronger.
The discussion around Celtic’s next managerial appointment has been going on since Wilfried Nancy was sacked in January and it is being shaped by what is unfolding elsewhere in the SPFL.
Lovenkrands has looked at one particular Celtic candidate and the former Rangers striker has reached a firm view. His reaction is not built on hype, it is based on what has already been delivered in Scotland.
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Jens Berthel Askou to Celtic: do you see it happening?
Celtic’s interest in Jens Berthel Askou has Lovenkrands concerned
The argument itself is straightforward. Jens Berthel Askou has already shown he can operate in this league and produce results without the same level of resources. The Fir Park boss is averaging over 1.5 points per game as Motherwell manager.
And Lovenkrands doesn’t like it as he tells The Sunday Post, “I’d be very surprised if I don’t see Jens at Celtic next year.
“He is the perfect fit for them right now and I think they will recognise that and come for him in the summer.
“He knows the league, he knows what it’s like, he knows how to succeed in it.
“Imagine him doing that with a bigger budget, different players. I’m not saying better players, but players to suit his system.
“Imagine him doing that. I think the chance to rebuild at Celtic would suit him perfectly and I don’t think it would cost that much to go and get him from Motherwell.”
Lovenkrands worries that Askou will ‘make Celtic really strong’
This is where the tone shifts. The reaction is not built on promotion, it is driven by concern about what Celtic could become.
It has been openly admitted that such a move could make Celtic really strong next season. That is not a throwaway line, it reflects a genuine view of the potential impact.
Lovenkrands continues, “Jens has been at FC Copenhagen, so he knows what it’s like. The pressure in Denmark is the exact same as it is here.
“On a personal note, I would not want to see him there because it could make Celtic really strong next season, so it’s a wee bit like ‘Oh no’. But it makes sense.
“If somebody’s been there, and instead of trying to go and get a manager from some-where else who doesn’t know what it takes in the league and stuff, you have someone here who knows it now, who’s proven he can do it with a smaller team and a budget, then why not?”
There is also no doubt about handling pressure. His experience at a major club means he knows exactly what comes with expectation and scrutiny. But is Copenhagen as big a job as Celtic? Many would argue, no.
Put together, the picture is clear. There is a manager already delivering in Scotland, with the structure and results to step into a bigger role.
But it seems Lovenkrands is convinced that Celtic are not being pointed towards a gamble, they are being pointed towards something that already works.
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