Celtic news: Christian Ilzer has already proven why he would be perfect Hoops appointment

Celtic have been heavily linked with Christian Ilzer in recent weeks to take over as their next manager.

The Hoffenheim boss has since had his odds slashed by the bookies in recent weeks to take over after impressing in the Bundesliga.

With Martin O’Neill set to depart the Hoops in the summer, an Ilzer appointment would be seen as a bit of a coup, but would also have its risks, with the manager yet to take charge of a team in the UK, let alone Scotland.

However, his work at Sturm Graz has already proven why he would be an excellent fit for Celtic.

Below, Football Insider has examined Ilzer’s managerial career to explain why a Celtic appointment is a must.

Christian Ilzer’s work for Sturm Graz proves why he is perfect Celtic fit

Before his time at Hoffenheim, Ilzer was at Austrian club Sturm Graz between 2020 and 2024.

The Austrian Bundesliga side are no doubt one of the best clubs in the division, but have often been in the shadow of sides such as Red Bull Salzburg, Rapid Wien and Austria Wien.

Yet, in just four years, Ilzer broke this streak. In the 2023-24 campaign, he guided Graz to the league title, just their fourth in their history.

On top of this, he won two Austrian Cups as the club became the dominant force in the country.

For Celtic, this is a major green flag. With the Scottish Premiership also having few clubs that can win a title, Ilzer has already proven he can come out on top in such circumstances.

On top of this, with the Hoops looking unlikely to win the title this year, a massive rebuild could be on the cards, and the manager has also shown that he is capable of overseeing one successfully.

Therefore, Ilzer could be the perfect Celtic appointment, and Dermot Desmond has to do everything in his power to bring him in.

Who else is linked to the Celtic job?

Football Insider exclusively revealed back at the end of February that Roberto Martinez and Jens Berthel Askou are the “leading candidates” to become Celtic’s next permanent manager.

The duo would also be impressive appointments, with Martinez having an excellent CV in England, while Askou has impressed during his short time in Scotland.

Another linked name is Robbie Keane, who has emerged as one of the most promising managers in Europe.

However, it remains to be seen who Desmond opts to appoint in a crucial period for Celtic.

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