Neil Lennon safe bet for Celtic over Roberto Martinez or Andre Villas-Boas, says Johan Mjallby
Wednesday 10 April 2019 16:07, UK
Celtic would be taking the safer option by giving Neil Lennon the Parkhead job over rumoured options Roberto Martinez and Andre Villas-Boas, according to Johan Mjallby.
Martinez and Villas-Boas are among the favourites with the bookies to take over at Parkhead, but Mjallby, who made 144 appearances at Celtic and spent four years assisting Lennon during his first stint as boss, knows where he would put his money.
"I'm quite sure the board are contemplating other names - that's normal," said the Swede.
"Neil will definitely be in the running if they finish the season on a high and can secure another treble, which would be unbelievable. A triple treble, it's unheard of.
"I've obviously been following Celtic closely and know there are a couple of names being thrown about too, however.
"Neil is probably the safer bet, yes, but it depends on how the outlook is from the board.
"They are obviously aiming to keep winning league trophies, because that's their bread and butter.
"But they also have Europe to think about and will be looking to crack that nut as that was probably the only disappointment of Brendan's reign.
"It wouldn't be a gamble to appoint someone else, but it would depend on the name of the manager coming in. It would come down to ensuring that whoever gets the job is really supported to make sure they can get the right players in.
"I'm biased because I know Neil and loved working with him. I know how passionate he is for Celtic. If he was to get the job, he would probably play a little bit different to the way the team played under Brendan but that's natural.
"Even if Roberto Martinez, Andre Villas-Boas, Rafa Benitez or David Moyes got it, they have all got their own style they want the team to play so it's important they get the support from the board to get the right players so they keep progressing and improving."
If former Hibernian boss Lennon does not get the role in the summer, Mjallby does not expect that to be the end of his time in the dugout.
"There is definitely some pressure on his shoulders but he enjoys that," Mjallby added. "He knew he would be seen as a failure if he doesn't secure the treble but coming back with the chance to become permanent manager was very important for him.
"If he doesn't get the job he will be disappointed but his hunger for success will be even higher so his next job, if it's not Celtic, will see him go in all guns blazing to really make his name again."
