Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has expressed his admiration for Celtic as a club but remains uncertain about leaving his current position, according to former Celtic defender Vidar Riseth.

Kjetil Knutsen
Soccer Football – Champions League Qualifying – Play-off Second Leg – GNK Dinamo Zagreb v Bodo/Glimt – Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia – August 24, 2022 Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

Knutsen, who is among the candidates linked to the Celtic managerial vacancy, has garnered support from some Celtic fans due to his impressive work at Bodo/Glimt.

With two league titles and notable success in European competitions, including eliminating Celtic from the Europa Conference League, Knutsen has caught the attention of the Scottish giants.

Riseth revealed that Knutsen was interested in learning about the atmosphere at Parkhead. Following the matches, Knutsen developed a positive opinion of the Glasgow club. However, he also has a strong bond with Bodo/Glimt, making any potential offer from Celtic a more complex decision.

Riseth believes that Celtic should make an effort to lure his compatriot and is convinced that Knutsen would be successful at the club.

He shared: [SunSport]

 “Kjetil is a really good coach and I am sure the Celtic fans remember what Bodo did to them last year. I spoke to him about Celtic around that time and I was talking about the club and the atmosphere.

“I remember Kjetil saying to me, ‘How was it to play for Celtic?’, and I told him it was an amazing experience. I know that he likes Celtic as a club and he will know all about the current team. With so many good players and Champions League football, it’s a very attractive job.

“But I need to be honest, it wouldn’t be easy to get Kjetil away from Bodo. I believe that if Celtic made him an offer it would be a 50-50 call, but they should at least ask him. I’m 100 per cent certain that he would be a big success at Celtic. He is happy where he is but if a big club like Celtic make him an offer, then of course any manager would have a decision to make.

“He has a good contract at Bodo and it would take a lot to get him to leave, so that is why I am unsure. That’s not me saying Celtic aren’t special enough for him. It’s just that he loves Bodo.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.