Celtic-linked Roberto Martinez has spoken out on his managerial future.
The Portugal boss has been one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the role for a number of months, with his contract due to expire after this summer’s World Cup.
Martinez’ links to Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney have led many to suspect that the pair could be reunited in Glasgow.
But he has now confirmed what was already obvious: his involvement in the tournament in North America seriously complicates things.
Would you take Roberto Martinez as Celtic’s permanent manager after the World Cup?
Celtic-linked Roberto Martinez on managerial future
Asked about his own future at his squad announcement this week, Martinez said: “The future of the head coach is not important.
“What matters is the World Cup. The World Cup cannot wait, the coach’s future can, and it can be discussed after the tournament.
READ MORE: Shaun Maloney addresses Celtic future amid Martin O’Neill uncertainty
“The president and I are aligned; the focus is the World Cup.
“When there are good results, which is our case, because fortunately the Portuguese national team wins a lot, then it’s normal that I’ve had some.
“It’s not a taboo subject, but now we are aligned to try to do everything we can to prepare our national team for the World Cup. That’s the focus.
“We are all together in the federation for the same objective, which is to fight in the same way for the World Cup.”
Martinez has also been linked with several roles in the Premier League, including that at Crystal Palace, which will be vacant at the end of the season.
He has also been tentatively linked with the Saudi Pro League. He has interviewed for the Celtic job in the past, however, and his Scottish wife gives him a unique personal connection to the country.
Martinez has been an international manager for a decade now, firstly with Belgium and now at Portugal.
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Contenders to be Celtic’s next permanent manager
O’Neill is yet to fully rule out staying at Celtic beyond this season, but so far, he has indicated that he would not want to take the job permanently.
If that remains his stance, then Jens Berthel Askou would certainly be among the favourites. His style of football and Scottish pedigree tick a lot of boxes.
If the Parkhead hierarchy want someone more familiar with Celtic, then Robbie Keane is another strong candidate – the front-runner, according to some reports.
Craig Bellamy is another international boss who would be a contender, though he could also be involved in this summer’s tournament in North America, if Wales are successful in their play-offs next month.
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