Rumours are circulating across social media suggesting that Bodø/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen has emerged as the frontrunner to become Celtic’s next permanent manager.
The Norwegian coach has earned widespread praise for his work with Bodø/Glimt, leading the club to multiple league titles and impressive European campaigns, including the famous 5-1 aggregate victory over Celtic in the 2021/22 UEFA Conference League. His attacking brand of football and tactical balance have drawn comparisons to some of Celtic’s most successful recent eras.
Fans on social media have described Knutsen as a “dream target”, believing his philosophy and temperament would align well with Celtic’s traditions. His current contract with Bodø/Glimt runs until December, but reports in Norway suggest he has yet to agree an extension, adding to speculation that he could be tempted by a move abroad at the end of the season.
Former Celtic defender Johan Mjällby also weighed in on the discussion while working as a pundit for during Celtic’s recent clash with FC Midtjylland, suggesting Knutsen could be the ideal long-term fit for the Parkhead job.
He said: (TNT Sports), “Kjetil Knutsen has been doing a terrific job for a number of seasons.
“He would be a very interesting choice.
“He would definitely (prioritise) still being good on the ball, but a mix, I would say, between the game Brendan Rodgers played, and the game Martin O’Neill wants to play.
“Maybe the perfect fit, who knows?”
Mjällby’s comments have added weight to the growing narrative that Knutsen would be a popular choice among supporters and ex-players. His success in Norway, built on structured attacking play and smart recruitment, has turned Bodø/Glimt into a model for clubs punching above their financial weight in Europe.
Celtic’s interim boss Martin O’Neill has already said his stay will be short-term, which has accelerated the search for a permanent appointment. With Knutsen’s Bodø/Glimt side approaching the end of their domestic season, the timing could align if Celtic decide to make an approach before the new year.
However, any potential move would depend on the Norwegian club’s stance and whether Knutsen himself feels ready to leave a project he’s built from the ground up. His loyalty to Bodø/Glimt has been strong, but the Celtic job could represent the kind of challenge and profile that might finally tempt him abroad.
For now, it remains speculation, but Knutsen’s name won’t be going away any time soon. The combination of his tactical identity, proven European record, and growing admiration from figures like Mjällby make him one of the most intriguing candidates in Celtic’s managerial picture.
Of course its extremely important that we get a top Manager …That’s a given.
But as someone who has managed at a decent level…it’s more important to have top players..( or as top as you can get ).
The best manager in the world can introduce systems/ plan tactics /and do all the things that great managers do…But if the players ain’t there…he’s stuffed.
Oh and if you think that’s an obvious thing to say…well you wouldn’t think so going by the hype that’s attached to managers.
Last night MON stood and watched some very poor performances from too many players…who get away with it in Scotland…but are miles short in Europe.
I’ve watched a lot of CL and EL games recently…and good technical ability shows up all the time…but too many of our players don’t have it.
I just hope that the next guy gets the backing he needs…’cos this squad of players isn’t good enough
Prime example being a Mr C McGregor.
No longer “getting away with it in Scotland” these days but still an automatic pick regardless, for some reason.
Captaincy gives you a free pass it seems.