Kenny Dalglish believes Celtic must go for a manager with the same philosophy as Ange Postecoglou but insists his successor must improve the club’s European record, setting them a target of third place in their Champions League group.
The Parkhead, Scotland and Liverpool legend refused to place the Aussie for taking the Tottenham Hotspur job and has looked at the several names linked with the post - a list that has reached double figures as the Hoops hierarchy face the tough task of replacing a man who picked up five out of six domestic trophies on offer during his two years.
And, writing in his Sunday Post column, Dalglish said: “I don’t see the sense in going for something completely different. Of course, the new guy will want to bring in his own players and rightly so but I think it’s likely to be someone with similar philosophies to Ange. There is no doubt that the team needs to be strengthened and there should be good finances available to do it but there doesn’t need to be an overhaul. It could well be that because of the great success Ange had, it might put one or two off following in his footsteps. What if the manager only wins the double next year. Does that make him a downgrade?
“However, what does need to be improved upon is results in Europe and Celtic will want to be more competitive in the Champions League next season. The aim has to be to finish in third spot, at least. But European football is always a bonus. The league is the most important to win.
“Across, the city Rangers might view this as giving them an extra chance in the new season. Michael Beale has had seven months to assess the Ibrox club and he is well under way for the new campaign. But Celtic are the champions and will still be the dominant force going into the new campaign.
“Losing Ange isn’t ideal but it’s not a disaster. There are obviously feelings of hurt and disappointment for Celtic supporters he left to join Tottenham. But it’s completely understandable. Movement is part and parcel of football. I do not blame him for moving to English football. Some people will see it as an affront to the Hoops that he chose to go out but there’s no need to be critical of him.”
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