Christian Ilzer: Everything you need to know about Celtic’s potential next manager
Christian Ilzer has suddenly seen his odds slashed to become the next Celtic manager.
The current Hoffenheim coach has impressed in the Bundesliga and currently has the club fighting for Champions League qualification.
However, with Martin O’Neill set to leave the Hoops at the end of the season, the Old Firm outfit are set to be on the hunt for a new manager.
This is where Ilzer steps in, with the coach being a surprise recent link to the role, being just 12/1 to take over.
Therefore, Football Insider has examined everything you need to know about this potential Celtic appointment.
👔 Celtic Manager News 👔
Get the inside track on the Parkhead dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key boardroom decisions.
VISIT THE MANAGER HUBEverything you need to know about Christian Ilzer
Ilzer is currently the manager of Hoffenheim having worked his way up the management ladder in central Europe.
Taking over the club in 2024, he has guided the club from one in a relegation fight, to one that is back fighting for European football.
| Christian Ilzer factfile | |
| Place of birth | Puch bei Weiz, Austria |
| Age | 48 |
| Clubs managed | USK Raiffeisen Puch, SC Weiz, 1. Wiener Neustadter SC (caretaker), TSV Hartberg, Wolfsberger AC, Austria Wein and Sturm Graz, Hoffenheim |
| Overall win percentage | 50.48% |
| Honours | Austrian Bundesliga, Austrian Cup x2 |
While they might have been knocked out of the Europa League in the league phase, the club could in the Champions League next season, sitting fifth in the table, and only off fourth place on goal-difference.
Tactically, Ilzer often adjusts his formation based on his opponent, with the German side using multiple different systems so far this season.
His Hoffenheim side are also known for its relentless pressing, and currently top the division’s charts for the possession won in the final third per match at 5.7.
They also consistently cross the ball, averaging 5.9 per match, another league high.
Who is the favourite to take over at Celtic?
While Football Insider may have recently revealed that Jens Berthel Askou is on Celtic’s radar, Robbie Keane remains the clear favourite for the role with the bookies at 6/4.
The former Hoops star has impressed at Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros, with their run in the Europa League particularly impressive.
However, it remains to be seen if Celtic will go in for the manager in the summer, with the fanbase making it clear that they do not want their former striker back.
An appointment of Ilzer could help dampen some of the backlash the board has been receiving, in what could be a considerable coup.
Nevertheless, it may take some convincing to tempt Ilzer to swap Hoffenheim and the Bundesliga for Celtic and the Scottish Premiership in the summer.
Target: Elijah Just (Motherwell)
Long-term: Carter-Vickers out
League Pos: 2nd (61 pts)
Status: Summer Talks Underway
Revenue: £143.6m (2025)