Jens Berthel Askou ticks all boxes for Celtic job – Chris Sutton

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The Celtic Star

·14 de fevereiro de 2026

Jens Berthel Askou ticks all boxes for Celtic job – Chris Sutton

Chris Sutton reckons that current Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou is the perfect choice for the next permanent Celtic manager after the dismissal of flop-boss Wilfred Nancy who last just 33 days in the job…

Jens Berthel Askou. Motherwell 1-1 theRangers. Scottish Premiership. Fir Park, 11 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

There is an argument that the Motherwell boss would be a left-field appointment, similar to the hapless Frenchman, and that a so-called big name would be a better choice to take over after the interim pairing of Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney hand over the reins towards the end of May.

Vídeos OneFootball

Belgium assistant coach Shaun Maloney and Belgium’s head coach Roberto Martinez pictured during a training session of the Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, in Tubize, Tuesday 15 June 2021.

Of course Maloney is closely associated with current Portugal manager Roberto Martinez who will leave his current post at the end of the World Cup this summer to there is a two plus two argument there that the Spaniard with strong Scottish connections could be the big name replacement.

Yet Jens Berthel Askou as Chris Sutton argues today in his weekly column ticks many boxes himself and can assemble a team without necessarily looking at sending up to £11m on one player, that kind of sum would be enough for his entire budget.

Jens Berthel Askou, manager of Motherwell during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

That must appeal to the Celtic board after their humbling experience yesterday posting those dreadful interim results with worse to follow in the summer.

O’Neill and Maloney can hopefully deliver the title that opens to the door to the Champions League qualifiers. Then the introduction of Jens Berthel Askou with a decent but not bank-breaking budget to spend would hold immense appeal to Celtic supporters, especially the one who have paid attention to how well Motherwell has played this season.

So Sutton is on the money with this one. It’s staring us in the face. Here’s what he’s had to say about Celtic appointing the current Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou as Celtic’s next manager.

Aberdeen v Motherwell Premier Sports Cup 20/09/2025. Referee John Beaton and Motherwell s Manager Jens Berthel Askou during the Premier Sports Quarter Final match between Aberdeen and Motherwell at Pittodrie on 20 September 2025. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI-IMAGO

“I’m now convinced Jens Berthel Askou would be a great fit for Celtic,” Sutton stated, as reported by Daily Record. “You watch his Motherwell team and you can’t help but be impressed.

“They are arguably the best side to watch in the country. He’s managed to build a team that is solid defensively, superbly maintains possession and creates chances – and all on a fraction of the money spent at other clubs.

“It’s been a remarkable job. I’ve never seen a Scottish team do what Motherwell has done this season – and that’s dominate against Celtic and (the)Rangers.

“Usually teams set up to try to stop the Glasgow clubs playing. Instead it’s been the other way around this year.

“I’ve also been impressed with the way he communicates in the media. He just ticks so many boxes for me.”

Aberdeen v Motherwell Premier Sports Cup 20/09/2025. Aberdeen Manager Jimmy Thelin and Motherwell’s Manager Jens Berthel Askou during the Premier Sports Quarter Final match between Aberdeen and Motherwell at Pittodrie on 20 September 2025. Photo Stephen Dobsonx PSI/IMAGO

The former Celtic striker added: “It’s hard to know what Dermot Desmond will be thinking as he’s shown in the past he’s capable of making bold, big name appointments, like Brendan Rodgers and O’Neill first time around. There’s been a lot of talk around Martinez, and that’s been there for a number of years now.

“But I just think there is a guy on Celtic’s doorstep who is showing a lot of positive attributes to be a success at the club. It would be fascinating to see how he would do with more resources.”

What’s your thoughts on Jens Berthel Askou getting the Celtic job in the summer? Please tell us in the comments section below…

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