Kjetila Knutsen Breaks Silence Amid Fresh Celtic Manager Links
Norwegian coach Kjetil Knutsen has re-emerged as a key contender for the Celtic managerial job as the club continues its search for Brendan Rodgers’ successor.
The Bodo/Glimt boss has spoken publicly for the first time since reports from within Celtic suggested he was once again high on their shortlist. Martin O’Neill is currently serving as interim manager following Rodgers’ sudden exit, but he has already confirmed that he will not remain in the post beyond the short term.
Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan recently claimed that insiders at the club told him their preferred candidate won’t be available until December, forcing the board to broaden its search.
That development has reportedly put Knutsen and Wilfried Nancy of Columbus Crew near the top of the agenda, with both managers’ seasons due to finish later this month. Craig Bellamy has also been linked, though his ongoing role with Wales during their World Cup qualification campaign could keep him occupied until March 2026 if they secure a playoff spot.
Meanwhile, Knutsen’s own side, Bodo/Glimt, suffered a setback in the Eliteserien title race after a shock defeat to Valerenga, allowing Viking FK the chance to overtake them with just three games left.
Speaking to NRK after the loss, a visibly frustrated Knutsen didn’t hold back in his criticism of his team’s performance:
“We look tired and a little empty — not like the Glimt team we want to be,” he admitted. “Today, we simply lacked energy and strength. It seems like we’re on edge.
“There’s not much I can do about Viking. We just need to focus on our own matches and deliver better performances. We’ve handed them an advantage at a time when we should have been ready.”
Knutsen’s comments come at a tense moment for both his club and his own future, as speculation intensifies about a possible move to Parkhead.
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