Kjetil Knutsen is a name that some Celtic fans may not be familiar with but few could forget our encounter with him as his Bodo Glimt team wiped the floor with us in the Europa Conference League a couple of years ago.
Knutsen is an outsider for the Celtic job, with interest reported from the Ajax hierarchy. However, here’s why I think he would be a fabulous choice for the Hoops:
Bodo Glimt operate on a tiny budget, but that didn’t stop Knutsen leading them to a European quarter final or beating Roma 6-1! Europe has to be the next step for Celtic, as we haven’t won a knockout tie since 2004. The domestic success has been incredible, so that must be the next target for us to progress as a club. Knutsen has shown he can deliver that on a smaller budget.
The Norwegian manager made history by delivering back to back league titles with Bodo, and was named manager of the year in Norway three times.
Knutsen plays attractive football, similar to that of Ange Postecoglou.
If we want the continuity of exciting football, which our fans love and players are used to, then Knutsen can deliver. If we want to maintain our domestic dominance then Knutsen can deliver. If we want to progress in Europe and start going on runs in the Europa League via third in the group or reaching the last 16 of the Champions League then Knutsen may well deliver.
He would be an excellent choice for the role in my opinion. Although, we do have competition for his signature.
Liam Kelly
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
Incidentally, you might have missed this brilliant article from our Japanese writer on The Celtic Star which was published on Saturday morning ahead of the Scottish Cup Final. Yatao reports on Reo Hatate’s article in the Japanese media where the Celtic midfielder gives an insider’s account of what among other things his difficulty coping with the injury picked up against Hibs in March and the impact that the Celtic fans had on him for his return against theRangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final at the end of April.
Reo Hatate also explains what happened in the Celtic dressing room at Tynecastle at half-time on the day we won the league and how Ange Postecoglou’s instructions to Hatate helped Celtic win that match. It’s a fascinating read and the link is below…
READ THIS…This is Yatao – Reo Hatate on experiences gained this season at Celtic
Great shout. Would top my list (as if my list matters).
Would be a good choice. I think the most important point is that we keep our style and don’t change it to transitional play or a defensive approach. Be it Rodgers, Knutsen or Maresca, I don’t mind. But Knutsen would certainly be a good manager for Celtic.
Can’t say he’s all that familiar to me, but then again two years ago, I had never heard of Ange Postecoglou.
I think Knutsen would be a great choice as our next manager