Jose Mourinho didn’t shut down the idea of managing Celtic when asked ahead of his Fenerbahçe side’s clash with Rangers in Turkey.
But while his name will always bring excitement, Chris Sutton isn’t having any of it—at least not when it comes to Celtic.
Sutton believes that instead of speculating about Mourinho, Celtic should be tying Brendan Rodgers down to a new contract.
Rodgers returned to Celtic Park in 2023, and while his second spell wasn’t welcomed at first, he has silenced most of his critics. Winning a double last season and now pushing for a treble this term, the League Cup is already secured, the league is practically won, and only the Scottish Cup remains to complete another clean sweep.
Writing in the Daily Record, the former Hoops striker made it clear that Rodgers’ track record speaks for itself and stability should be the priority.
“But here’s a question. Mourinho as next manager – or a new contract for Brendan Rodgers? I know what I’d be going for. Mourinho would be exciting but it could also be a rollercoaster ride. You look at the job Rodgers has done at the club and it has been astonishing.
“He could complete another clean sweep this season and it would mean he’s only failed to win one trophy across his two spells. That’s an incredible record. Celtic’s success has been built on stability – and that is what Rodgers brings.
“I don’t mean that in a boring sense either. Rodgers has built teams that play thrilling football, they score a ton of goals and deliver silverware. Mourinho could do that too, but there’s no need to upset any apple carts at Parkhead. It works under Rodgers, so why even consider changing it? I don’t think he’ll leave before his contract is up at the end of next season.
“But after that is anyone’s guess. Only Rodgers will know want he wants to do that at that point. If there’s any chance to get him on an extended deal then Celtic should grab it.”
There has been talk of it, and Rodgers has addressed his future himself, saying that he’s “very happy” at Celtic and made it clear he intends to see out his contract in Glasgow; whether he extends past then remains to be seen.
Mourinho’s name will always bring headlines, but Celtic’s focus should be securing their future with a manager who has already delivered time and time again.
