Former Celtic managerial candidate Rafa Benitez has become available once again after opting to leave his role in China. The Spaniard, who has enjoyed success with teams in Spain, England and Italy, was heavily tipped to be the replacement for Brendan Rodgers in 2019. However, Celtic opted to go with Neil Lennon as Benitez went to China.
Thank you, Dalianhttps://t.co/pUHq3KFbx0#Dalian #China #Football #ThankYou
— Rafa Benitez Web (@rafabenitezweb) January 23, 2021
Now, he is back on the market and is apparently hoping for a return to management in Europe. Newcastle have been linked with a move for their former boss – but this in itself is interesting for Celtic supporters as another candidate for this role was most recently Eddie Howe, who is odds-on for the Celtic job. Coincidentally, Howe was the favourite for the Magpies job if Steve Bruce were to receive his marching orders from Mike Ashley as Toon supporters become more unhappy with their manager.
Howe and Benitez are of a Premier League calibre but that doesn’t mean Celtic cannot attract a manager of this stature – look at Brendan Rodgers. Celtic should get an interim manager in place and decide on the manager depending on who they get in as a Director of Football. It was suggested that John Kennedy and Stephen McManus may be parachuted into interim roles should Neil Lennon’s January review reflect badly on the Irishman.
Benitez would bring defensive stability to Celtic as well as a Premier League calibre of manager. Although it is likely that given his brief hiatus in China, he will want to get back to the Premier League or a Spanish side.
Howe, meanwhile, has been out of work since leaving relegated Bournemouth in the summer. He was replaced by his assistant, Jason Tindal but now will be looking for a return to management – especially with his stock still high. Howe would likely be able to walk into any lower end Premier League job/top end Championship side so to hire him would be a coup.
The issue for Celtic is that they cannot attract a manager unless the manager knows what players he will have and who will be above him at the club. This will need to be determined and should be communicated with the Celtic support so that they know what they are to expect and kept up to date in the process.
One thing that is for certain is that Celtic need a big overhaul of playing staff and non-playing staff this summer.
John Kennedy needs punted along with the rest. He’s been hanging around Celtic like a f@rt in a phone box for years and he’s brought nothing to the party.
Time to go.