Celtic have now reportedly scheduled an interview with a former player who dreams of becoming their next manager, as Dermot Desmond continues his search for a Brendan Rodgers replacement.
The Hoops have been on the hunt for their next manager since Rodgers made the unexpected decision to leave the club last month. Names such as Ange Postecoglou, Kieran McKenna and Nicky Hayen have all been mentioned as candidates, but those in Glasgow remain without a permanent manager.
In the meantime, however, Martin O’Neill has continued to do an excellent job as interim to spark rumours that he could yet land the job until at least the end of the season. The 73-year-old rolled back the years last weekend to defeat Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, but remained coy when asked about a full-time position in the hot-seat.
Given that Postecoglou has already stepped away from the race in an attempt to take a break from football and McKenna has also reiterated his loyalty for Ipswich Town, O’Neill wouldn’t be a bad choice.
Celtic can’t afford to get their next permanent appointment wrong and hiring such an experienced manager until the end of the season would at least buy them some time to get things right.
Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes shared that stance in recent praise for O’Neill – saying: “It was a shock when Martin O’Neill came back into the fold. You thought to yourself – his legacy was 20-odd years ago.
“But he’s got the tracksuit on and I think, for as long as these results continue, more and more fans are getting right into this. It seems to me we are in safe hands at the moment, so let’s not rush any decisions.”
Whilst in those safe hands, Parkhead chiefs have reportedly had the chance to schedule an interview with an ex-player who dreams of taking the job.
Celtic schedule interview with Efrain Juarez
As reported by the Scottish Sun, Celtic have now scheduled an interview with Efrain Juarez over Zoom. The new managerial candidate played for the Hoops from 2010 to 2012 and is now in charge of UNAM Pumas in his home country of Mexico.
Previously the assistant manager at New York City and Standard Liege before taking permanent roles at Atletico Nacional and Pumas, Juarez’s managerial experience isn’t exactly extensive. He does, however, dream of taking the job at Parkhead.
“For me, it will be a dream – and I am a dreamer!”
Operating in a 4-2-3-1 system, Juarez wouldn’t be introducing something entirely new at Celtic if he took over from O’Neill, who also prefers that attacking formation.
What should concern the Bhoys is the 37-year-old’s lack of experience. They are at a crucial stage and may not be willing to take such a gamble on a young, upcoming manager such as Juarez.
