Report: Celtic keen on making Roberto Martinez new Hoops manager | OneFootball

Celtic are reportedly keen on making Roberto Martinez their next manager. It is expected that Martinez will leave his post as Portugal manager after this summer’s World Cup, leaving the path clear for Celtic to make him their next manager.

The Spaniard will be fully focused on taking Portugal to the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico; however, it has been reported that Celtic want the ex-Everton manager to become the club’s next permanent manager.

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are interested in Martinez, a move that would make sense given his connection to influential Hoops figure Shaun Maloney.

“Obviously, I think right now all his focus is with Portugal ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

“But after that, if he wants to make a return to club management, I’m sure if there’s any chance that Celtic could get him, it’s something they would definitely look into.

“If Martinez is interested in a move to Celtic, they really have to do everything they can to try and convince him to make that move.”

Maloney was Martinez’s Assistant Head Coach with Belgium, with the winger playing under Martinez at Wigan Athletic. Maloney is currently playing a prominent role behind the scenes at Celtic Park, meaning that he could have significant sway in the decision to bring the next manager in.

Martinez first gained notice at Swansea City, guiding them to the 2008 League One title with a possession-based approach rare in the lower leagues. He followed that by keeping Wigan Athletic in the Premier League and famously winning the 2013 FA Cup, defeating Manchester City—though relegation came days later.

At Everton, Martínez delivered a 72-point season in 2013–14, the club’s highest Premier League tally, but defensive frailties saw a decline and eventual dismissal. After leaving Goodison, Martinez transitioned into international management with Belgium. The Belgians reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, finishing third—the nation’s best-ever result but there has always been a feeling that they underachieved with a number of players in their primes.

A move to Celtic has been suggested before, with Martinez heavily linked after Gordon Strachan’s departure in 2009. Martinez is believed to have turned down an approach after interviewing for the Hoops job. The move isn’t unrealistic as Martinez’s wife is from North Lanarkshire, with the pair meeting during his Motherwell days.

Celtic need a manager to hit the ground running and oversee a sizeable rebuild. Wilfried Nancy’s appointment was a huge gamble by the Celtic Board, which resulted in an awful run of form that Martin O’Neill, Maloney and Fozzy have had to try rectify. Hopefully MON can close off this season with some silverware.