Celtic managerial favourite breaks silence on job rumours as 'more exciting' verdict given amid Parkhead links
Celtic managerial candidate quizzed on links to Parkhead vacancy.
Celtic managerial candidate Kjetil Knutsen has refused to rule out a move to the Glasgow giants after being installed as the favourite to become the club’s next head coach over the weekend.
The 57-year-old Bodo/Glimt boss is reported to be high on the Celtic hierarchy’s shortlist of candidates to replace Brendan Rodgers, who resigned from his role amid a breakdown in his relationship with the board a fortnight ago.
The Scottish champions are on the lookout for a permanent manager after appointment former manager Martin O’Neill on an interim basis, with the 73-year-old overseeing three wins in his first four games in charge of the club, including a 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on the Sunday that closed the gap to seven points between themselves and league leaders Hearts, who slipped up by drawing at home to Dundee United.
In the aftermath of the victory over Kilmarnock, the interim boss admitted he was no closer to knowing if he would remain in charge of the club after the upcoming international break. He did concede that ‘during the course of the next week’ he expects to be told what Celtic’s plans are for the upcoming weeks, though, jokingly saying he planned to hide in a ‘darkened room’ until then.
Knutsen, who has built up a strong reputation in his native Norway, has guided Bodo/Glimt to four Eliteserien titles during his near eight-year stint at the Aspmyra Stadion, while he has also transformed the club’s fortunes in European competition, with the club qualifying for the Champions League earlier this year.
Currently 2nd in the Norwegian top flight, his side is just one point behind Viking FK at the top of the table with just two games of the league season left to play. Currently 29th in the Champions League table, Superlaget have four games remaining in the competition, with fixtures against Manchester City, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid still to come. Following his side’s 5-0 win over Bryne FK at the weekend, the head coach was quizzed about links to Celtic and his future with Bodo/Glimt.
“We played with intensity from the start and were ruthless in front of goal,” said Knutsen. “The boys executed our plan perfectly—high press, quick transitions, and exploiting spaces. It's satisfying to see the hard work pay off like this, especially after the midweek European game. Five goals is a statement, but it's the clean sheet that shows our balance.”
“Nothing is certain in life,” he added, regarding links to the Celtic job. “I am here now and I am happy, and then we can enjoy a nice football match. It is hopeless to answer about other clubs. I answer as I always do – [if I leave] it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt.”
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