Celtic to make ‘massive overhaul’ decision this summer as Premiership title narrative to have huge impact
Next season’s Celtic manager could make significant changes to the Hoops squad this summer
Celtic will reportedly make steps towards a ‘massive overhaul’ within the first team squad once their next permanent manager is appointed over the summer.
The Hoops are on the market for their next full-time head coach, following a disastrous and short tenure with Wilfried Nancy. The Frenchman was shown the door at the start of the year, having lasted just eight games in charge of the Bhoys.
With six defeats from eight, Nancy was axed and Martin O’Neill returned, agreeing to oversee things at Parkhead until the end of the season.
According to Football Insider, Celtic are planning significant changes to their current team once they bring in O’Neill’s permanent replacement. There is an ‘expectation’ at the club that the new manager will want to make several changes once they arrive and get settled in.
Celtic are currently competing in a close battle for the Scottish Premiership crown, with Rangers and Hearts also firmly in the race. If the Hoops fail to defend their title this season, it will likely trigger a domino effect within the team ranks and ‘ramp up efforts’ to oversee changes, according to the report.
Pressure on Celtic to win Scottish Premiership title
Celtic are currently third in the Premiership table with 54 points on the board, just three behind current leaders Hearts. The Hoops are unbeaten in the league since O’Neill returned to the hilt and have won five from a possible six games so far.
The Jambos have dropped points to both Celtic and Rangers in the past month and have lost two of their last five matches. Their once impressive lead at the top of the table has seriously diminished and Derek McInnes’ side are now under huge pressure to keep their place.
This weekend could see a new leader leapfrog into the top spot if Hearts drop points to Falkirk. Rangers will face Livingston and have the best chance of jumping into first place if they win and Hearts lose or draw. Meanwhile, Celtic are up against Hibs, which will be sandwiched between their meetings with VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League play-offs.