Celtic’s Viljami Sinisalo has revealed his ambition to become a manager… despite only being 24.
As a goalkeeper, Sinisalo could reasonably expect to play for another decade, or even another decade and a half.
But he’s nothing if not prepared, as demonstrated by his performances since being catapulted into the starting XI after Kasper Schmeichel’s devastating injury.
There aren’t many goalkeepers who successfully move into management, but the Celtic stopper is keen to be one.
You have £10m to spend on a new goalkeeper to replace Kasper Schmeichel…
Who do you pick?
Celtic’s Viljami Sinisalo says he has ‘always’ wanted to be a manager
Initially asked what Stevie Woods is like to work with on the Celtic FC Podcast, Sinisalo said: “Very good. Very good to work with.
“The level of detail that he gives us before games… and again, very much what I said with Kevin Miller (Exeter GK Coach) in terms of the no-excuse culture.
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“He gives you the platform to know everything about your opposition so you can’t, in any case, fall back on not knowing something or not being ready for something.
“So I think that’s the main thing. And, just a nice human being. I think that’s half the battle as well. It’s the technical ability and the human side, that he makes you feel a million dollars when you’re in the team.
“That’s a quality that me, wanting to be a coach one day, would want to take on. I want to make my players feel ten feet tall and on top of the world, which is something that Woodsy definitely does.
“I believe that’s when you get the best out of your players.”
Pushed on the idea of becoming a manager, he said: “Yeah, it’s kind of funny. Not necessarily goalie coach, but I’ve always wanted to go into management when I retire.
“That’s a long way away still, hopefully, touch wood. Hopefully I can have a career abroad, outside of Finland, and one of my dreams has always been…
“After my career, can I take the knowledge that you learn playing abroad playing for whatever club you play for, can I take it into the Finnish game and show them something that it’s been lacking for a little bit?
“Not revolutionise that side of it, but give them something new to think about. That’s something that I’d feel would be incredibly cool.
“As well, you work alongside some incredible human beings when you’re in different changing rooms, and if you can put a group together of people that share the same thinking as you in the changing room and try and coach that to younger lads, I think that’s a great thing.
“So I’ve always wanted to, kind of, do that.”
Has he done enough?
Since being thrown into Celtic’s second leg against Stuttgart by Martin O’Neill, Sinisalo has retained his spot in goal amid a period of injury turmoil for Kasper Schmeichel.
The 24-year-old has earned plaudits for his performances, however, and the rest of the season now stands as a golden opportunity for him to audition as the Hoops’ number one goalkeeper.
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