Celtic are interested in appointing Portugal manager Roberto Martinez as a replacement for Martin O’Neill, and a possible timeline has now emerged.
Celtic’s targets to replace Martin O’Neill
O’Neill is set to leave his interim role at the end of the season, but Jackie McNamara is hoping the Irishman remains at Parkhead in some capacity, saying: “If a manager comes in and he (O’Neill) was upstairs I wouldn’t see it as a hindrance, I’d see it as a positive. He’d not be after the job, he’d want to help and do well.
“He’s got a lot to give and he’s shown that in the last six months. So it’d be good to see him still there. There’s a lot to sort in the summer. It’s not just the manager’s role, there’s all the recruitment structure, the chairman’s role and everything else.”
Although Roy Hodgson recently got the Bristol City job at 78-years-old, the Hoops’ manager is almost certainly in the latter stages of his career, and the board have already identified a number of potential replacements ahead of the summer.
The Glasgow giants are looking at a number of managers still in the infancy of their career, but they are also keen on appointing Portugal boss Martinez, who has plenty of experience at the highest level.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who has told Football Insider that Celtic will have to wait until after the 2026 World Cup to hire the Spaniard, who prefers to use an attacking 4-3-3 formation.
O’Rourke said: “Obviously, I think right now all his focus is with Portugal ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
“But after that, if he wants to make a return to club management, I’m sure if there’s any chance that Celtic could get him, it’s something they would definitely look into.
“If Martinez is interested in a move to Celtic, they really have to do everything they can to try and convince him to make that move.”
Roberto Martinez’s managerial record
- 563 matches
- 259 wins
- 137 draws
- 167 defeats
- 46% win ratio
Martinez has won three trophies during his managerial career, namely the League One title with Swansea City in the 2007/08 season, the 2012/13 FA Cup with Wigan Athletic, and the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League with Portugal.
Celtic now considering recently sacked manager who has travelled to the UK this weekend
The Hoops are still on the lookout for their next permanent manager.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also lauded the 52-year-old, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner defending his manager from criticism last year.
“Questioning someone who has a spectacular record for Portugal makes me confused, but I understand. If a coach gets to the final and he is questioned, imagine the others.
“There has been a bit of a lack of respect in this regard. Talking about other coaches is a lack of sense, but the coach has done an extraordinary job.”