Jens Berthel Askou’s swashbuckling debut campaign at Motherwell has resulted in his name being linked with the Celtic managerial hot seat.
But Darren O’Dea holds some concerns about Askou swapping the colours of Motherwell for Celtic next season.
While Askou has rightfully earned widespread praise for his tactical acumen at Fir Park, taking the reins at Celtic Park presents an entirely different set of challenges.
O’Dea was asked on Open Goal to detail his specific ‘reservations’ regarding the Dane making the colossal leap across to the champions of Scotland, and his issues have nothing to do with his coaching ability, but everything to do with navigating the relentless, unforgiving pressure of the Glasgow goldfish bowl.
“The one thing I will say… there is a big, big difference when you go in,” O’Dea explained, highlighting the sheer scale of the job.
“It’s not just coaching. It then becomes about the personality of the manager. Being able to handle the media. Being able to handle players that have probably a lot bigger egos, certainly a bigger history.”
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Another crucial factor in O’Dea’s assessment is the current situation inside the Celtic dressing room.
A new manager must command immediate respect from a squad that is already accustomed to lifting domestic silverware, even if this campaign has gone horribly wrong, although Martin O’Neill could rescue it by winning the domestic double.
Despite those stern warnings about the magnitude of the step up, O’Dea was quick to acknowledge Askou’s immense quality.
Having witnessed what it takes to succeed at Parkhead during Ange Postecoglou’s relentless, highly successful, all-action and non-stop entrance reign, the Irishman concluded that Celtic would undoubtedly face stiff competition to secure Askou’s services if they opted to push for him.
Si Ferry: “So, what are your reservations?”
O’Dea: “The one thing I will say, and this is no disrespect, because Andy (Halliday) has been at the level.
“There is a big, big difference when you go in. It’s not just coaching. It then becomes about the personality of the manager. Being able to handle the media. Being able to handle players who have probably a lot bigger egos, certainly a bigger history.
“Even at Celtic right now, okay, it doesn’t seem like it. These lads, a lot of people in the building, they have won.
“So, when he comes in, it’s a big, big challenge. Don’t just think it transfers from Motherwell over, it doesn’t.
“In saying that, you could say that about anyone as a manager. He is 100% a huge candidate.
“The thing I would say to mark respect to him is. I am sure, if he were to leave Motherwell, he would have loads of opportunities, who say he doesn’t have bigger clubs to come onto him. Or someone who he sees as a bigger club.”
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