Arne Slot’s departure from Liverpool is set to shake up the managerial market, and Celtic supporters are taking a renewed interest in compliments he paid the club back in 2023.
The Dutchman has officially left Anfield after two seasons, having won the Premier League in his debut campaign before a disappointing regression saw the club finish fifth last term.
Liverpool are now reportedly looking to Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola to replace Slot, bringing a swift end to the Dutchman’s tenure at the club.
Reports have already placed Slot in the running to take over at AC Milan, a development Celtic supporters are watching closely given their own ongoing managerial search.
Former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is considered one of the fan favourites for the Parkhead job and is also reportedly in the frame for the Milan position.
Celtic are yet to make a formal appointment, with Dermot Desmond expected to hold talks with Martin O’Neill before the search for a new manager begins in earnest.
Slot is regarded as another high-profile name supporters would welcome at Parkhead, having faced Celtic directly during his time managing Feyenoord in 2023.
Feyenoord defeated Celtic 2-0 in the Netherlands before the two sides met again at Parkhead in the final game of their Champions League group, with Celtic winning 2-1 through goals from Luis Palma and Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Speaking ahead of that final group match, Slot praised Brendan Rodgers and his squad despite Celtic having suffered heavy defeats to Atletico Madrid and Lazio in the same campaign.
Slot said: “I think every top club always reacts after a loss. Celtic is a top club with very good players and they will react to that, especially if the stadium is full which is what I’m expecting.”
He also reflected on Celtic’s earlier group performances, saying: “That was impressive for me. They didn’t get what they deserved.”
Slot added that he had studied Celtic’s performances against Atletico and Lazio more closely than their domestic form heading into the match.
Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy, and Roberto Martinez are among the other managers who have been frequently linked with the Parkhead vacancy should O’Neill step back this summer.
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