Celtic urged to make 'statement' managerial appointment as ex-EPL star admits 'I can see that happening'
Celtic told to make statement by appointing international boss as Martin O’Neill’s successor.
Celtic have been told to go bold and appoint Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez as their next manager in the summer.
Martinez, 52, will face Uzbekistan, Colombia and DR Congo in Group K of this summer’s World Cup, but is out of contract upon the conclusion of the tournament and has been listed amongst the bookies’ favourites to be named Celtic’s next manager.
The Glasgow giants will be searching for a new boss in the summer following a season of managerial turmoil, which saw Brendan Rodgers resign in October, before his replacement, Wilfried Nancy, was sacked in January after a month in charge. In between, Martin O’Neill has taken the reins on an interim basis.
However, with the 74-year-old not expected to extend his stay at Parkhead beyond the end of the season, former England midfielder Gareth Barry has urged the club to target his former Everton boss Martinez as his replacement.
“Getting Roberto Martinez would be a big statement for Celtic,” said Barry. “The way Roberto Martinez's managerial career has gone, I can see that happening. He's had a couple of years out of the day-to-day stuff with the international jobs. Having worked at Everton, he absolutely lives and breathes football, knows every player, knows every tactical move.
“I think he'll be a success there. He'll improve players that come into the club. It will suit their style of wanting to improve young players, moving them on sometimes. I can actually see that happening and see why he's among the favourites for the job.”
Barry, who made over 100 appearances under Martinez during his time at Goodison Park, also confessed his disappointment at not experiencing the Old Firm derby during his days as a player, revealing he held talks over a move to the Scottish Premiership in the summer of 2014.
“There certainly was a conversation when I left Man City,” Barry told Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football odds. “I had a loan season at Everton. It was a conversation with my agent about Scotland and any real interest. I just think the timings and everything meant there was never any real strong interest, which is a shame, really, because it's something I'd probably like to have sampled.
“You get players that go out there on loan sometimes for half a season just to sample it, and they seem to have great times. The Old Firm derby is quite something, just watching on TV, you can tell the atmosphere, and as a player, you would have loved to play in it. Unfortunately nothing really got too close, but it's one I would have loved to have experienced.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.