Celtic’s search for a manager is likely about to ramp up.
With an international break underway, Dermot Desmond and the Hoops board now have a period to conduct interviews with candidates who are currently contracted to clubs.
Martin O’Neill has won three of his four matches since temporarily replacing Brendan Rodgers, but whether he is a serious contender for the permanent job isn’t yet clear.
Kieran McKenna, Wilfried Nancy and Robbie Keane are among those being touted for the hotseat at Celtic Park.
But Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen, who is currently among the favourites, has now commented on his links to Celtic for the first time.
Kjetil Knutsen on reports linking him to Celtic
Knutsen has been linked with Celtic and countless other jobs in the past.
However, on this occasion, things are different. The 57-year-old’s contract will expire at the end of the year, and he has been honest in admitting that this season could be his last at Bodo.
READ MORE: Lens fans say the Odsonne Edouard of Celtic is ‘back’ as they rave about their new hero
Knutsen has overseen immense success at the Norwegian club since taking over in 2018. He won their first ever Eliteserien title in the 2020, but he was far from finished there.
In the club’s first ever appearance in a UEFA tournament in the 2021-22 Conference League, they thrashed Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1, and would later beat Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic 5-1 on aggregate in the first knockout round.
So could he be the man to take over at Parkhead? He discussed the rumours with TV2, saying: “Nothing is certain in life.
“I am here now and I am happy, and then we can enjoy a nice football match. It is hopeless to answer about other clubs.
“I answer as I always do – [if I leave] it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt.”
Is Celtic more exciting than Bodo/Glimt? Knutsen’s decision will make his stance clear.
67HailHail has learned that Knutsen is open to joining Celtic, but only once Bodo’s first-ever Champions League campaign is over.
Celtic candidate Kjetil Knutsen’s credentials at Bodo/Glimt
Bodo’s appearance in the Champions League has been long-awaited.
They were eliminated in the first knockout round of the Conference League in 2023 by Lech Poznan, before falling in the same round to Ajax in 2024.
But few saw last season coming. Despite missing out on the Eliteserien by a point, Knutsen guided the Artic Circle club to the semi-final of the Europa League, where they were beaten by Postecoglou’s Tottenham.
If he could go one better at Celtic, he would become a legendary figure.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
