HENRIK LARSSON has spoken about his desire to return to management with a move to the UK as his preferred target. The ‘King of Kings’ admitted that he would consider a role in Scotland as he looks to find a return to the game since leaving Helsingborgs last August.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, the 48-year-old claims that he owes the career he had in Glasgow to becoming one of Europe’s top players and the Celtic legend has said that he would ‘love’ a job back in Scotland.
“I would love to go there. I had seven years in Scotland and loved it. I know the culture and played in Scotland for a long time during my career. I like the culture and I like the way people love the game and what it means to them.
“I’d love to go back and, because of the language, it would be much easier than going to France as I don’t speak much French.
“I came to Scotland after a tough time in Feyenoord. I did OK in Holland but it really fell into place when I came to Celtic. That’s where I became the player I was known for. Celtic is where I made my name and I developed into the finished article.
“My greatest achievement is winning the Champions League at Barcelona, but I can never look away from my seven years in Glasgow as that made me the player I was in Barcelona.”
Larsson scored 242 goals for Celtic over seven seasons in the Hoops and whilst the managerial role at Celtic Park is occupied by his former teammate, Neil Lennon, there may be an opening on his coaching staff.
Damien Duff was appointed as one of Stephen Kenny’s assistant managers for Ireland and was assumed to take a dual role until the end of the season but that remains unclear as to what the situation will be next season.
Duff is highly rated in Dublin and in Glasgow with both roles demanding a fair deal from the ex-Chelsea midfielder. Whilst it remains to be seen whether he stays or goes, it would be a huge loss in terms of a coach with a winning mentality leaving the club in a vital season.
Should Duff decide to leave and it would be fair to assume he has probably been transparent about his other role with Neil Lennon, Celtic could use with someone who understands the club and can help continue a legacy of success.
Larsson may be after a managerial role but a role in the coaching staff at Celtic could boost his profile in England as well as giving a huge boost to the club. The Swede would be another selling point for supporters looking to renew knowing that one of the club’s greatest ever players is returning as the club push for a record ten-in-a-row.
INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr
The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.
If you have been reading Matt’s regular contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme or in the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.
Support Celtic Youth Development
Help raise money for Celtic Youth Development by joining the £1 weekly lottery and you could win up to £25,000 – just click the photograph below to join. Lots of our readers have already done so and they’re now doing their bit to help fund Celtic Youth Development that can deliver the stars of tomorrow and beyond. And you might even win a few bob too! And a special thank you to all The Celtic Star readers who have already signed up and are now supporting youth development to give us the Celtic Stars of the future…
