The Celtic hierarchy are said to be aware of Pascal Jansen’s exploits as they search for a new manager.
It’s now three days since Ange Postecoglou‘s departure to Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed, and the hunt for his successor is on.
Numerous names have been floated around since Monday with Jansen one of the more left-field shouts.
The 50-year-old has done a good job with AZ Alkmaar — taking them to 4th in the Eredivisie and the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals this season.
The latest we have from the Scottish Sun is that Jansen has “caught the eye” of the Celtic decision-makers.
However, the report also says that AZ’s position is that they believe they can hold on to their boss.
Jansen signed a new contract in January, tying him down until 2025. (AZ Alkmaar)
The English-born boss has experienced Celtic Park in recent times, with AZ drawn against us in last season’s Europa League playoff round.
A year later, in 2022, his side faced Dundee United in the Conference League. Jansen had plenty of good things to say about Scotland and his trip to Celtic Park at that stage.
“I was born in London,” he said. “So I am very fond of British football. It’s great to be back. We played Celtic last season in a qualifier. I enjoyed that, and hopefully, I will enjoy my time in Dundee too.
“I learned a lot from the Celtic game last season. We still have some players in the squad who were part of that game.
“We learned a lot from it, it was something else – the stadium was packed, you couldn’t hear yourself speak.
“We enjoyed competing with one of the top teams in Scotland. The game was intense, as British football is in general, so we expect more of the same tomorrow.”
Maybe if he loves “British football” so much, he should venture along to Celtic Park and see what the Scottish Premiership has to offer.
Jansen is clearly a good coach. His Alkmaar side were perhaps unfortunate not to beat us last season, although we were really a team in transition at that time.
He seems like an impressive candidate. Whether the Celtic board want to approach AZ for him or not, only time will tell.
In other news, more details have emerged about Ange Postecoglou’s mindset in his second season at Celtic
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