Kenny Dalglish delivers verdict on Celtic manager search; makes prediction

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Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish has been left heartened by the calibre of manager being linked with the vacant managerial position at the club.

Ange Postecoglou’s exit to Tottenham Hotspur was obviously a blow for many fans but there’s still plenty to look forward to over the coming weeks, months and years.

And Dalglish reckons the Bhoys will be going for a continuity candidate ready to come in and pick up where Postecoglou left off after guiding Celtic to a treble.

Writing in The Sunday Post [11/06 print edition, Post Match supplement, page 16], he said: “In the past week, several names have been mentioned. All of them are of a high calibre. From Graham Potter to Enzo Maresca, Brendan Rodgers to Kjetil Knutsen, David Moyes to Steve Clarke. There is bound to be more speculation until Dermot Desmond gets around to officially naming his man.

“I’ve no idea who the Parkhead hierarchy will eventually announce, but I think it’s likely it’ll be someone with similar philosophies to Ange. Unless you are planning to sell a number of the current players, then it makes sense to continue along similar lines to what Ange has left behind. I don’t see the sense in going for something completely different.

“Of course, the new guy will want to bring in his own players and rightly so. There is no doubt that the team needs to be strengthened and there should be good finances available to do it.

“Celtic are the champions and will still be the dominant force going into the new season. Losing Ange isn’t ideal but it’s not a disaster. This is a chance to build on the great foundations he has left and take it from there.”

It sounds like Dalglish is veering towards a Maresca or Rodgers-style candidate – someone who will continue playing an attacking style. Postecoglou’s football was hectic, but it’s not too much of a stretch to think a similarly progressive boss can come in and get the same tune out of these players.

Celtic don’t need to embark on a full rebuild this summer, far from it. The club and the squad are in far strong position compared to the summer of 2021. This is a time to kick on and push new boundaries, not regress just because Postecoglou has left us. Hopefully that’s what we see, from whoever is in charge.

In other news, Report: Belgian coach joins Celtic ‘longlist’ of managerial candidates.