Jose Mourinho to play part in next Celtic manager appointment as merry-go-round to be triggered
Robert Martinez is the favourite to take over at Celtic in the summer with interim manager Martin O’Neill expected to step aside.
O’Neill returned to Celtic in January to replace Wilfried Nancy, after the Frenchman’s dismal tenure had been brought to an early end.
The Northern Irishman had already returned to the club earlier in the season to replace Brendan Rodgers, but he has now been asked to see out the season.
Craig Bellamy is among several candidates for the Celtic job, despite the improvement in form in recent weeks under O’Neill.
Football Insider revealed last week that O’Neill was left frustrated by Celtic’s transfers in the winter window, which were largely left until the closing stages.
Jose Mourinho to trigger managerial merry-go-round
Martinez has spoken briefly in the past about how he almost became the Celtic manager earlier in his career, before he ultimately decided to take charge of Wigan Athletic.
The Spaniard led the Latics between 2009 and 2013, guiding them to the FA Cup in 2013 before he joined Everton.
After three years on Merseyside, Martinez went into international management with Belgium.
| Roberto Martinez | Belgium |
| Wins | 56 |
| Draws | 13 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Scored | 210 |
| Conceded | 70 |
For six years, the 52-year-old led the Red Devils in the hopes of capitalising on a golden generation, but a major title never came.
The same cannot be said of his time in charge of Portugal, however, with Martinez leading his side to the UEFA Nations League in 2024-25.
Now, a managerial merry-go-round looks as if it is set to land the former Everton boss back in club management.
ESPN has reported that Jose Mourinho is expected to be offered the Portugal job after the World Cup, when Martinez’s contract expires.
Ex-Man United manager Ruben Amorim may then take over Benfica, while Martinez would be free to take his place in the dugout at Celtic Park.
Martin O’Neill has already ruled out Celtic stay
For as long as O’Neill is in charge of Celtic and winning games, he will continue to be mentioned in conversations ahead of the summer.
The Bhoys remain in a position to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, and will be just three points behind leaders Hearts if they beat Livingston on Wednesday.
But speaking in January, O’Neill said: “I wonder whether I would have the capacity to go and carry on, and also, I am 112 next birthday, so I think time is kind of running out for me.
“I’d like to do well with it, and who knows what the board might think, but I would not be thinking anything longer than the end of the season for me, regardless of what happens.”