Celtic manager: Keith Wyness suggests 'next Roberto De Zerbi' could replace Brendan Rodgers

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Published on:

16 Mar 2024, 2:30 am

Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness has insisted Celtic should pursue a "young, European manager" like Roberto De Zerbi if they choose to replace Brendan Rodgers.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested the Hoops are a "progressive, forward-thinking club".

Rodgers returned to Celtic last summer (2023) but is under pressure at Parkhead following a collapse in the Scottish Premiership title race which now sees Rangers in the box seat to lift the trophy.

Football Insider revealed on Sunday (10 March) that the Glasgow giants do not consider the Northern Irishman, 51, a long-term manager of the club.

Celtic should pursue 'De Zerbi-like' appointment, says Wyness

De Zerbi joined Brighton from Sassuolo in 2022 and is now being linked with several top roles after leading the south coast club to Europa League qualification last season.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I think Celtic would be looking outside of Scotland if they were to replace Rodgers.

“They should go for a young, European manager. I think they’d want to go back to that sort of route.

“They obviously see themselves as a progressive, forward-thinking club.

“I don’t think they should go for a stop-gap.

“For me, they should target someone like Roberto De Zerbi. Not him, of course - but someone like him.

“There are a few around who could be looked at.

“For now, if they win the league - I’m sure it will be business as usual at Celtic and Rodgers will probably remain in post.”

In other news, Celtic agree 18-year-old deal after breakthrough.

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