Celtic could land their next Postecoglou by hiring Knutsen
Celtic could land their next Postecoglou by hiring Knutsen, according to recent speculation after manager Martin O'Neill hinted he may be considering his future. The 74‑year‑old’s frustration grew following a 1‑0 loss to Rangers, a second defeat to the same rivals and a 3‑1 Europa League setback, leaving the club at a crossroads.
O'Neill faces mounting pressure
O'Neill said after the Rangers defeat, “They have every reason to ask, can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing?” He added that age plays a part and that “I’m 110 in two years’ time, so it might be time to wrap it up.” The manager’s comments reflected a week that also saw Celtic lose 3‑1 at home to Ferencvaros in the Europa League and miss out on the Champions League after a collapse against LASK.
The club now enters a three‑week international break, giving O'Neill and the board time to reflect. CEO Michael Nicholson released a statement on Tuesday, pledging support for the manager appointed permanently in the summer and urging everyone to focus on domestic success and the Europa League. He made clear that Celtic are not ready to sack O'Neill yet.
Should O'Neill decide to step down, the shortlist includes former Hoops loanee Robbie Keane, now a free agent after leaving Ferencvaros, and Norwegian tactician Kjetil Knutsen. Keane was identified earlier this year as the leading contender, but the club’s hierarchy appears to favour an ambitious move for Knutsen. Knutsen wants the job and would be the next Postecoglou for Celtic.
Celtic back Martin O'Neill despite pressure after painful week
Knutsen emerges as leading candidate
Knutsen, 57, has steered Bodo/Glimt for eight seasons, guiding them to the Champions League last‑16 last term. His side defeated Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon before a heavy defeat to Inter in the second leg. Journalist Kevin Hatchard described him as a ‘genius’, praising the Norwegian club’s technical brilliance and willingness to take on Europe’s elite.
Celtic fans love O'Neill, yet many admit that if his health is declining they would welcome their next Postecoglou. Knutsen fits that description, with former player Johan Mjallby previously urging the club to consider him in 2023, calling him ‘similar’ to the Australian coach.
James Beavis outlines his media career
The story was reported via Reuters, citing Senior Editor James Beavis of GIVEMESPORT. Beavis has worked in online football media for more than ten years and earned a Sports Journalism degree from Southampton Solent University in 2012. He joined Football FanCast in 2016 after three years at Shoot Magazine, moved to GMS in 2020, and regularly chats with top journalists such as Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs as part of an exclusives initiative.
Give the Bhoys a fresh direction, the board believes, and the choice between retaining O'Neill or appointing Knutsen will define Celtic’s next chapter. The contrast between a seasoned manager contemplating his job and a rising tactician hailed as the next Postecoglou highlights the club’s ambition to compete domestically and in Europe.