The odds for Jose Mourinho taking over at Celtic have slashed over the past week as reports in Italy have surfaced that the Scottish champions are keen on the Portuguese manager.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss is available after being sacked by Manchester United earlier this season, but former Hoops striker John Hartson doesn’t think it is a realistic option for the club. The ex-Welsh international thinks the financial resources are just not there:
“The two big questions I would have is how much wages he would command, and how much money would he have to spend?”
“Are Celtic in a position to throw 50 or 60 million at Mourinho when you factor in wages for him and his staff, and the players he would want to bring in to take Celtic to that next level in terms of competing better in Europe?”
“If you were going to appoint Mourinho, you would have to back that up by giving him the tools. Celtic haven’t done anything near that for 20 years.”
Some fans believe that Mourinho would be the right choice:
Mourinho could win us a Uefa cup easy.
— ToSeethebhoysbecomechampions67 (@ToSeethebhoysb1) 7 May 2019
People saying they dont want jose are mental hes one of the most decorated managers of this era
— Michael Keenan (@mickybhoy666) 7 May 2019
John, hes your pal and we love him for what hes done but Jose or Lenny. I mean come on
— James (@_CalMac42_) 7 May 2019
Others are not sure that it is a good idea:
The only thing exciting me are the panic attacks every time Jose gets a mention #NoJustNo!!
— Bren (@XJustBrenX) 7 May 2019
Mourinho is poison. Don’t want him near the club
— Anthony Clyde (@anthony_clyde3) 7 May 2019
Don’t like his style of play. 1-0 wins, and I’ve never forgiven him for Seville
— MARGARET Bonner (@MARGARE86284268) 7 May 2019
Give me Lenny over Jose any day
— Rebel 69 (@rebelsixtynine) 7 May 2019
Considering Jose is 2nd toppaid manager pep being 1st it says celtoc wouldn’t be able to afford Jose rather have 6 new players for his wage lol lennon can do the job it’s down to Celtics budget n getting players to Scotland? Lennon can still do a good job when he has right team
— Kelly McGeachy (@kellybaby3) 7 May 2019
I think if we are to get the 10IAR we need a Manager that knows the Scottish scene knows what’s required. As much as I’d love a big name manager maybe the times not right.
— CELTIC DA (@celticda67) 7 May 2019
Not knocking Jose, he remains a very talented manager. But Lennon has a feel for the club and all that goes with it.
— Dave Bundy (@bundy201065) 7 May 2019
Mourinho is one of the most successful managers in the history of the game so his appointment would certainly be seen as a coup for the club.
As things stand, though, it is hard not to agree with Hartson that a lot of money would have to be thrown at the Portuguese manager for him to consider moving to Celtic Park. Considering the conservative approach of the club’s board, it does seem unlikely.
