Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is in talks to replace Brendan Rodgers as Celtic manager, but he should think twice if he is offered the job.
Kieran McKenna could be privileged to be involved in the Celtic manager’s job. That’s a natural mistake for a manager like him.
That’s because the Scottish giants have a rich and proud pedigree of success, with many fans around the world and one of the most passionate supporters in football. Celtic Park is a must-see location when Old Firm matches are being played. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But if Celtic decide to give McKenna a chance to replace Brendan Rodgers, he will need to think long and hard about a move north of the border. That’s because McKenna has built an impressive reputation in English football, having led Ipswich Town to promotion from League One to the top flight.
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He had the courage to leave his coaching job at Manchester United and seek a bolder challenge elsewhere. And he made such an impression as Ipswich manager that some United executives even discussed the possibility of bringing McKenna back as manager when Erik ten Hag was struggling to survive.
During his time at United, manager Jose Mourinho requested that McKenna attend training sessions. But Portman Road is a world apart from Celtic Park and the football capital of Glasgow. Winning is a given. Failure is not an option.
And, as Rodgers pointed out about the ultimate cost, it’s clear at this point that Celtic’s team is worse than the ones of the past.
Celtic opted for some welcome nostalgia by appointing former manager Martin O’Neill as interim manager. But that’s the positive result Celtic need, not a trip down memory lane. Storm clouds have been hanging over the Celts for a while, creating a somewhat toxic atmosphere.
The team has lost three of its last five games. Celtic may be second in the Scottish Premiership, but they are still eight points behind leaders Hearts.
McKenna will be expected to overhaul Hearts. He is expected to play an active role in next season’s Champions League. But what kind of funding will he be given to strengthen his squad between now and the start of next season?
That’s a big call. Because it takes managers who have the courage to step out of their comfort zone to take on jobs that can make or break them.
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