A permanent manager is at the bottom of Celtic’s priorities at the moment.
Martin O’Neill is currently doing the jobs of about four people at once as he tries to muster a title-winning squad in the January transfer window.
Celtic are on their fourth managerial spell of the season, after Brendan Rodgers resigned and Wilfried Nancy was dismissed.
Paul Tisdale and Peter Lawwell are gone too, in a season of immense change at Celtic Park. But is it possible that there is already a clear frontrunner for the permanent role?
Roberto Martinez is a name that has done the rounds online, but award-winning journo Mark Guidi has now given his two cents.
The player that has impressed the most since Martin O’Neill’s return is…
Mark Guidi on Roberto Martinez to Celtic links
Martinez is currently the manager of the Portugal National Team, having left the same role at Belgium in 2022.
It has been almost a decade since he managed a club – he left Everton in 2016.
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He has personal links, having met his Scottish wife whilst playing for Motherwell. So could his next destination?
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Guidi had a clear answer: “No.
“I would be very surprised if it’s Roberto Martinez that’s the next manager of Celtic.
“His salary, what happens if Portugal go deep into the World Cup? The last thing that Celtic need is a manager starting on the first of August or the 25th of July.
“So no, I can’t see that. Martinez was a contender when Tony Mowbray got the job in 2009, but no.
“I get the link with Shaun Maloney, I get all that, I do. But no, I’d be absolutely astounded if Roberto Martinez…
“Despite what the bookies say, because they rarely get it wrong. But Ange Postecoglou would be an interesting one.
“I think that’s certainly a conversation he would have with Celtic; there’s obviously a direct line there. So I think that’s more of a chance.
“However, whoever it is, they all do their homework. They’ll all be aware of the current situation.
“Right now, if you’re a manager… next-to no recruitment department, a huge number of fans at loggerheads with the hierarchy, an interim chairman, a CEO who’s under a lot of pressure, who’s been questioned in terms of his suitability to do the job as a Chief Executive.
“What is the structure at the football club? How ambitious are you? It’s not just the signings – it’s about all the things that go behind you in the background.”
Would you take Roberto Martinez as Celtic’s permanent manager after the World Cup?
Who could be Celtic’s permanent manager next season?
The obvious answer to that question is Martin O’Neill. If he delivers a league title this season, he could well be offered the chance to stay on.
If O’Neill doesn’t fancy leading the club long-term, Shaun Maloney could be a contender, given his contribution to the interim spells.
Another manager potentially available after (or before) the World Cup is Craig Bellamy, who ruled himself out of the running last time around.
Jens Berthel Askou has also been mentioned by Hoops fans who have been impressed by his job at Motherwell this season.
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