Andre Villas-Boas close to making a decision, Kollner clarification

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS is closing in on a return to management. But it’s looking increasingly like that will be in the South of France rather than in the East End of Glasgow. The Portuguese, former Tottenham and Chelsea boss looks set to be appointed as the new manager at Marseille.

The French side ironically enough had made an approach to speak to Newcastle Utd manager Rafa Benitez but the Spaniard reportedly declined the opportunity to speak to the Marseille representatives.

Talks are understood to have taken place with the French club’s director of football Andoni Zubizarreta who is looking for new head coach to replace Rudi Garcia, who announced he was stepping down having failed to qualify for European competition next season.

After his time in England 41 year old AVB won the Russian league with Zenith before taking a big money job with Chinese club Shanghai SIPG, He left there in November 2017 and has been out of the game ever since, stating that he wanted an extended break from the game.

Speaking at the Bilbao International Football Summit AVB commented on his future.

“I was already in contact with Marseille in 2013 before I went to Zenit. It’s one of the biggest clubs in Europe with lots of prestige and a European Cup winner.

“It’s obviously something that interests me but they’ve just made the decision regarding Rudi Garcia. The club is well led by Andoni Zubizarreta. If they come around we will of course meet with them and it could be a possibility,” AVB said, as reported in The Telegraph today.

Meanwhile reports that Celtic are looking at former Nurnberg boss Michael Kollner as the permanent replacement for Brendan Rodgers as Celtic manager are well wide of the mark. Any interest that Celtic have concerning Kollner relate to the Academy side of the club.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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