Celtic job tip for Red Bull coach who shocked Liverpool at Anfield as John Collins assesses Neil Lennon replacement candidates

Former Celtic assistant manager and midfielder John Collins has run the rule over the runners and riders to replace Neil Lennon at Celtic – and has thrown a new suggestion for a potential contender who could be waiting in the wings.
Salzburg's American coach Jesse Marsch  (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP)Salzburg's American coach Jesse Marsch  (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP)
Salzburg's American coach Jesse Marsch (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP)

Red Bull Salzburg coach Jesse Marsch should be a consideration, says Collins who was impressed by the Austrian club’s rollercoaster performance against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Having fallen 3-0 behind Jurgen Klopp’s team, Marsch’s side battled back to level the scores before losing to a late Salah goal in 2019/20.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“A name I’d throw in the hat would be Jesse Marsch, the American at Red Bull Salzburg.

Andy Robertson of Liverpool and Dominik Szoboszlai of Red Bull Salzburg during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and RB Salzburg at Anfield on October 02, 2019. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Andy Robertson of Liverpool and Dominik Szoboszlai of Red Bull Salzburg during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and RB Salzburg at Anfield on October 02, 2019. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Andy Robertson of Liverpool and Dominik Szoboszlai of Red Bull Salzburg during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and RB Salzburg at Anfield on October 02, 2019. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

"Sometimes you see a team in the Champions League turn in a performance that sticks in your mind. I remember seeing them at Anfield and I thought ‘Wow!, that’s a good football coach’."

Scotand boss Steve Clarke heads the bookmakers’ markets while fans have also thrown names around like Frank Lampard, Eddie Howe and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

Collins, who assisted Ronny Deila during his two years at Parkhead, had his say over each on talkSPORT.

He said: “We all know what the fans want - they want victories but they want winning in style.

Gavin Strachan and  John Kennedy  during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Gavin Strachan and  John Kennedy  during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Gavin Strachan and John Kennedy during a Celtic training session at Lennoxtown. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

“Steve Clarke did a terrific job with Scotland and Kilmarnock but has he produced attacking, entertaining football? The answer would probably be no. I don’t know if he fits the profile of a Celtic manager.

“He’s been organised, his teams are hard to break down and they defend deep. That’s not really the basis of what Celtic are looking for.

“Robbie Martinez is a similar style of manager to Brendan Rodgers - his teams play attacking football on the deck.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Eddie Howe - the job he did at Bournemouth was outstanding. He came up against the big boys trying to play good football and being creative. He’s proved he can make players better.

“Frank Lampard has a good football brain and was harshly treated at Chelsea. He developed young players and Celtic’s a club that signs young players that need developed – I think Lampard’s of a similar ilk to Steven Gerrard - a smart young guy and he was a terrific player.”

John Kennedy has assumed control of first team matters following the resignation of Neil Lennon earlier this week.

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today