Next Celtic manager front-runner drops massive hint on his future with contract decision expected ‘quite soon’
The Norwegian boss has gone public with his one non negotiable amid ongoing links to the Parkhead vacancy
Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen admits “nothing is certain” over his future as he dropped his biggest hint yet by seemingly opening the door for a move to Celtic.
The highly-respected Norwegian boss is one of the favourites to be named as Brendan Rodgers’ successor with his contract at Bodo/Glimt due to expire in the coming weeks once the Elitserien season is concluded.
With club legend Martin O'Neill currently holding down the fort at Parkhead following Rodgers shock resignation last month, some fans have been calling for the 73-year-old to remain in temporary change until the end of the season after guiding the Hoops to the League Cup final.
However, the Irishman previously stated he expected club officials to appoint a younger up-and-coming manager and that search is likely to ramp up over the international break with the likes of Knutsen, Wilfried Nancy, Kieran McKenna and Robbie Keane emerging as possible candidates.
Knutsen, 57, is in the midst of contending for a fifth Norwegian title in six years with Bodo/Glimt and has been one of the most sought after managers in recent years after transforming the club into a major European force. He was previously linked with the Ajax and Roma vacancies but opted to remain in his current role.
Bodo sit a point off league leaders Viking FK (65 points) with just two games remaining in the domestic season. They also have Champions League commitments but that hasn’t prevented speculation from ramping up in his homeland over a potential exit.
Quizzed about the prospect of leaving Bodo for the Scottish champions after his side’s thumping 5-0 victory over Bryne FK on Sunday, Knutsen refused to rule anything out but stated that it would have to be a more appealing project than the club he is currently at.
He told TV2: “Nothing is certain in life. I am here now and I am happy, and then we can enjoy a nice football match. It is hopeless to answer about other club. I answer as I always do – (if I leave) it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt.”
However, in a separate interview, Knutsen dropped a massive hint that he could remain with Bodo by stating that he expects a decision to made on a new contract “quite soon”.
Speaking to local outlet Avisa Nordland, he admitted: “We’ll see now if we can get things moving a bit. I don’t really have the energy to talk about it. I think we’ve had five matches in 13 days so there hasn’t been much time for contract matter. But we’re in control.
“I don’t have any plans to do that (leave Bodo/Glimt) but I hope you won’t throw me out either. We have to find the right balance, but I think we’ll get it settled quite soon.”