One of the names rumoured to be on the hitlist for the Celtic heirarchy is Bodo/Glimt manager, Kjetil Knutsen. The Norwegian is a strong favourite with a lot of the Hoops support and with good reason. His style is very similar to the recently departed Ange Postecoglou and we saw first hand in the Europa Conference League how devastating the results are.
Bodo manager Kjetil Knutsen
He appears to have gone to the favourite with a lot of the bookmakers this evening too, with a price of 6/4, ahead of Manchester City assistant coach, Enzo Maresca who is at 2/1 currently. The Nordic boss is someone who would fit stylistically without a shadow of a doubt, with the Bhoys already being encouraged to make a play for him by fellow Scandanavian, Jan Aage Fjortoft.
Dear @CelticFC
Understand you need a new manager!
Check out Kjetil Knutsen at Bodø Glimt here in Norway 🇳🇴Clear philosophy, playing attractive football, success in Europe and is in general a good lad
Ps! Been linked to Ajax as well so maybe hurry up
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 💛💙 (@JanAageFjortoft) June 5, 2023
However, the potential stumbling block to any potential move for the highly regarded Knutsen was in the form of one of theRangers UEFA Champions League group stage tormentors Ajax, who have reportedly been in dialogue with the attacking coach of late. This has been putting a somewhat sceptical slant to the rumours that he would indeed be a viable option for the eight times Treble winners.
But a tweet on social media has sent the rumour mill buzzing again, with many wondering whether or not the Scottish Premiership Champions are also in talks with the man who seems to be a preferred candidate by quite a rump of the Celtic fanbase. The tweet itself translated reads:
“Okay, Kjetil Knutsen (the artificial grass trainer) seems to be talking to Celtic.
“Can we now kidnap Peter Bosz from Eindhoven at the last minute? #ajax”
Oke, Kjetil Knutsen (de kunstgrastrainer) schijnt in gesprek te zijn met Celtic.
Kunnen we dan nu last minute Peter Bosz ontvoeren uit Eindhoven? #ajax pic.twitter.com/3P93IjjyaP
— JosTi (@J0sTi) June 6, 2023
Is it just coincidence..?
Photo IMAGO / Bildbyran
Hugo Vegard Vetlesen, Kjetil Knutsen, head coach of Bodo/Glimt,, Marius Lode, Erik Botheim, Sondre Brunstad Fet, goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, Brede Mathias Moe, Fredrik Andrà Bjorkan, Elias Kristoffersen Hagen, Amahl William D Vaz Pellegrino and Ulrik Saltnes of Bodo/Glimt ahead of the Eliteserien match between Molde and Bodo/Glimt on October 27, 2021 in Molde. Photo: Marius Simensen
It’s certainly becoming more interesting… that’s for sure. However the downside is that Kjetil Knutsen has today been quoted as saying that he would not consider leaving Bodø Glimt mid-season…and their season doesn’t end until December! Maybe that stance will change if he gets a once in a lifetime chance to manager Celtic!
Paul Gillespie
I never thought of it that way but on reflection your right he never met Tommie bit of backwards groveling there so much for integrity at then of the day he’s just one of many who have had the opportunity to manage celtic we go on as for the rest grow up
He is my choice but it’s unfortunate both leagues don’t run apparel from start to finish. If the man wants to stay I can respect that. But if he does jump I understand as well. Sports is a business and windows of opportunities. People move all the time. Don’t get too emotionally attached. Your long existing emotions stay with the club, not the people. They always move on. That’s sports.
Seemingly in Australia you stay attached to the people.