Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen responds to Celtic speculation

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The Celtic Star

·31 octobre 2025

Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen responds to Celtic speculation

Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen was put on the spot regarding speculation linking him to the vacant Celtic managerial position…

Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic greets Nicky Hayen, Head Coach of Club Brugge KV, ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Club Brugge KV at Celtic Park on November 27, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

However, the Club Brugge manager stayed tight-lipped, deflecting the question after his side’s 6-1 victory over Eendracht Aalst Lede in the Belgian Cup. The 45-year-old appears to be on the radar of Celtic’s hierarchy, who are looking to appoint a new permanent manager following Brendan Rodgers’ shock ‘resignation’ on Monday evening.

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Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney are temporarily in charge and helped stabilize the Hoops on Wednesday night, leading the Scottish champions to a 4-0 home victory over Falkirk.

How long the duo will continue overseeing first-team matters is still uncertain, and Hayen may well be watching developments in Glasgow closely.

Celtic v Club Brugge – UEFA Champions League Nicky Hayen, head coach of Club Brugge pictured during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Club Brugge on November 26, 2024. Photo Peter De Voecht

Speaking via Belgian outlet Sporza, Hayen said: “I’ve said before that I know I’m on lists, although I don’t know which ones. As long as nothing is concrete, I don’t need to know about it. I’m happy here and I want to work hard to win my 20th national title. That’s still my goal.”

“Never say never in football, but I’m happy here. As long as you have mutual trust between the club and me, there’s nothing wrong.”

Hayen extended his contract with Club Brugge over the summer, committing to the club until 2028. Should Celtic pursue him, they would be required to provide Club Brugge with a substantial compensation package.

Brugge currently sit second in the Belgian Pro League after 12 games, three points behind reigning champions Union St.Gilloise.

Nicky Hayen, head coach of Club Brugge arrives at the press during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Club Brugge on November 26, 2024. Photo: Peter De Voecht

Hayen’s side are also competing in the Champions League after humiliating the latest Ibrox club 9-1 on aggregate over two games during qualifying in August.

The Belgian’s have accumulated three points from three games so far in Europe’s elite club competition, beating Monaco 4-0 whilst also suffering defeats to Atalanta and Bayern Munich. They face Barcelona next week.

Conor Spence

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books