Roberto Martinez emerges among leading candidates as Celtic weigh summer managerial change
Celtic have narrowed their search for a permanent manager, with roberto martinez and Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou identified as the two leading candidates as interim Martin O'Neill prepares to depart in the summer. The move comes after a string of results that have intensified scrutiny of Celtic's current setup and raised questions about the squad's suitability for sustained dominance.
Fraser Fyvie cites Roberto Martinez's style and man-management
Fraser Fyvie, who won the FA Cup playing under Roberto Martinez at Wigan, has publicly backed Martinez as an ideal fit for Celtic. Fyvie—formerly of Aberdeen and Hibs and now recently retired—said Martinez's tactical approach and man-management would meet the club’s requirements, describing a preference for an attractive, passing style that would “suit Celtic to a tee. ”
Fyvie also noted the presence of Shaun Maloney at Celtic, pointing out that Maloney worked with Martinez at Wigan and with Belgium, and argued that a joint pairing would be positive for both the club and Martinez himself. He called the appointment a “steal, ” highlighted Martinez’s Premier League pedigree, and added that Martinez had moved into the international game and done “fantastically well. ”
Martin O'Neill's comments after Kilmarnock, and the timing pressure at Parkhead
Martin O'Neill made his unease clear after a last-gasp victory at Kilmarnock earlier this month, warning that the team's habit of leaving results late is “unsustainable. ” O'Neill said: "It is unsustainable. There's no question of it. It is, absolutely... it seems as if it’s something that you’re almost planning. It’s not. It’s not. And it’s not good for my heart at all. " That warning has sharpened calls for change as O'Neill’s interim spell approaches its end.
Celtic shortlist narrowed to Jens Berthel Askou and Roberto Martinez
The club has begun to narrow its shortlist, with Jens Berthel Askou and Roberto Martinez emerging as the duo now ahead of other names under consideration. The two are reportedly placed ahead of figures such as Graham Potter and Robbie Keane in the hierarchy's thinking, with Askou particularly noted for his strong early impressions in Scotland.
What makes this notable is the contrast between the candidates: Askou is a younger, left-field option while roberto martinez brings a track record at Premier League level and current international experience as Portugal boss, where he is preparing Cristiano Ronaldo and co for the World Cup. That contrast frames the choice between a progressive club coach and a manager with established, top-level experience.
Jens Berthel Askou's record and the praise from colleagues
Jens Berthel Askou, 43, is credited with winning a total of four trophies across spells with AC Horsens, FC Copenhagen and Faroese side HB Torshavn. His first season in Scotland has prompted warm assessments: East Kilbride manager Mick Kennedy praised Askou's character and called him “an unbelievable talented coach/manager” with an “aura, ” while Celtic writer Ryan McGinlay has also been impressed.
Motherwell currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership and are only four points behind the Hoops, a margin that leaves open a remote chance of title contention despite the tight contest for the championship. Askou’s progress at Motherwell has pushed him into contention as a potential long-term appointment.
Europa League defeat to VfB Stuttgart and Hibernian loss deepen urgency
Recent results have increased the urgency of the decision. Celtic were thrashed 4-1 at home by VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of the Europa League play-off and then lost 2-1 to Hibernian at Parkhead on Sunday. Those back-to-back damaging results followed the earlier late win at Kilmarnock and have been cited within the club as evidence that the current crop of players cannot be directly compared to some of Celtic’s dominant teams of the past.
The immediate effect of those defeats is that whoever takes the job in the summer will inherit a squad facing clear questions about consistency and capacity to replicate previous standards, and will likely need to make tangible changes.
Peripheral commentary and the broader picture at the club
Alongside managerial debate, other commentary in recent coverage referenced the goalkeeping situation and coaching changes: one line described Kasper Schmeichel as a legend while arguing a Celtic keeper was "not good enough anymore, " and another noted Joe Hart taking on a coaching role at a former club for one game only. Those sidelines underline the breadth of scrutiny at a club navigating transition.
Club hierarchy now faces a choice between a high-profile, experienced international in Roberto Martinez and a rising domestic option in Jens Berthel Askou. The timing matters because Celtic must balance immediate competitive needs—amid Europa League and domestic pressures—with a longer-term vision for recruitment, style and squad development as O'Neill prepares to step down in the summer.
