Roberto Martinez becoming Celtic manager hype explodes as key ally predicts deal will happen
The 52-year-old is expected to leave Portugal after the World Cup and has links with Parkhead
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez (Image: PA)
Former Premier League standout Gareth Barry reckons Roberto Martinez will become the next manager of Celtic.
The revered former Aston Villa skipper worked with the Spaniard at Everton after he left Manchester City and is in no doubt about his former gaffer’s ability.
Martinez has long been mooted with the Parkhead top job due to his wife being from Glasgow and his close bond with current Celtic No.2 Shaun Maloney.
The 52-year-old is expected to leave Portugal after the World Cup and has been in international management since being handed the reins with the Belgium ‘golden generation’ in 2016.
Now Barry is utterly certain Martinez would excel in the Scottish Premiership if he succeeds Martin O’Neill this summer.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds, Barry said: “Getting Roberto Martinez would be a big statement for Celtic.
“The way Roberto Martinez’s managerial career has gone, I can see that happening. He’s had a couple of years out of the day-to-day stuff with the international jobs. Having worked at Everton, he absolutely lives and breathes football, knows every player, knows every tactical move.
“I think he’ll be a success there. He’ll improve players that come into the club. It will suit their style of wanting to improve young players, moving them on sometimes. I can actually see that happening and see why he’s among the favorites for the job.”
Barry also knows Martin O’Neill well, and was a key player for the Irishman during their shared time at Villa where they secured three consecutive top six finishes.
And the former England international believes the street smarts of O’Neill could leave Rangers and Hearts wanting amid a thrilling finale in the race for the Scottish Premiership.
(Image: REUTERS)
He added: “You look at the business end of the season and the players and sometimes the manager that’s been there before just swings it in your advantage. But yeah, it’s just a different feeling this year with Hearts in the mix.
“It’s great to watch and I think it’s attracted a lot more attention with people wanting to watch a bit more of the Scottish league. Neutrals will definitely be wanting to see Hearts get over the line.
“Celtic, I’m not surprised by the bounce they had with Martin because I know the way he manages. He’ll come in and bring the confidence back to everyone and get a team that’s settled rather than make loads of changes, get everyone in their right positions, and just simplify things.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish strongly and nick it from the other two. The experience he’s got there, been there and done it, will give him a little edge over the other two managers.”
Barry admits he’s long been an admirer from the Scottish Premiership from afar and has revealed tentative talks took place about a potential switch north of the border but it never materialised.
Barry said: There certainly was a conversation when I left Man City and had a loan season at Everton. It was a conversation with my agent about Scotland and any real interest.
“I just think the timings and everything meant there was never any real strong interest, which is a shame, really, because it’s something I’d probably like to have sampled.
“You get players that go out there on loan sometimes for half a season just to sample it, and they seem to have great times. The Old Firm Derby is quite something, just watching on TV, you can tell the atmosphere, and as a player, you would have loved to play in it. Unfortunately nothing really got too close, but it’s one I would have loved to have experienced.”
