Pumas are now reportedly happy to have manager Efrain Juarez join Celtic, allowing them to make the most of the former star’s secret release clause at the Mexican club.
The Bhoys struggled again on the European stage in midweek, losing 3-1 to Midtjylland as manager Martin O’Neill fully understood their problems for the first time. The caretaker manager continues to distance himself from a permanent job, despite recent reports suggesting he could be the next big thing.
For now, the 73-year-old is expected to remain in the dugout for Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock this weekend, but Parkhead bosses continue their search.
Recent reports suggest Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna is open to joining the Scottish giants, but it remains to be seen whether he will leave Portman Road midway through what has been a disappointing campaign so far.
Meanwhile, Nikki Hayen is also reported to be a candidate. The Club Brugge manager is no stranger to beating Scottish football’s top clubs, having beaten Rangers 9-1 on aggregate in Champions League qualifying earlier this season and Celtic last season. He will now be heading to the home dugout in Glasgow.
But then again, it won’t be easy to lure him away from Club Brugge. Instead, the Hoops may have to rely on former player Juarez, who has previously spoken of his dreams of running the club.
Pumas happy with Juarez joining Celtic
As reported in Mexico and relayed by Sport Witness, Pumas are now happy to let Juarez join Celtic, with a release clause potentially triggered that would allow the 37-year-old to leave for free if the European club comes knocking.
That would save Celtic money on transfers and, given Juarez played for the Bhoys between 2010 and 2012, they would welcome someone who knows the club’s standards. But whether he has the managerial experience to suit the role is another question, and the Scottish club are reportedly planning to interview via Zoom, which may prove to be the case.
The former 4-2-3-1 player only managed two teams and has yet to reach 100 games as a manager. It must be questioned whether Celtic can afford to take such a gamble at this point.
Juarez at Pumas | record |
|---|---|
game | 33 |
victory | 11 |
draw | 10 |
defeat | 12 |
Juarez’s time at Pumas wasn’t necessarily the most successful either. The Mexican lost more games than he won, averaging just 1.3 points in 33 games as manager. This made the club’s intention to let him leave a sudden decision for Celtic to make a lot of sense.
For now, Celtic Park officials should hand over the job to Mr O’Neill until a suitable candidate emerges.
