Celtic-mad Robert Snodgrass backs Enzo Maresca for Bhoys move – if they’re quick

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Celtic are searching for a new manager following Neil Lennon’s exit last month – and Enzo Maresca is one of the key names in the race.

Lennon resigned in February after a dismal campaign, and Celtic are now taking their time over a replacement.

A number of names have been suggested, but Maresca is certainly one of the more intriguing ones.

The Italian is currently serving as Manchester City’s Under-23 manager, working under Pep Guardiola as he continues his coaching development.

Maresca worked with Sevilla and also under Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United, meaning a move into senior management in the near future seems inevitable.

Maresca refused to rule out a move to Celtic through his agent last month, and he continues to be touted for a move to Parkhead.

Now, West Bromwich Albion winger Robert Snodgrass – a boyhood Celtic fan and somebody who worked with Maresca at West Ham – has offered his verdict.

Snodgrass has told Go Sport Radio that he thinks Maresca is a ‘great candidate’ because he is an ‘elite level coach’, believing he wants to emulate Pep Guardiola’s style.

Snodgrass thinks Celtic won’t be alone in targeting Maresca, seemingly urging the Bhoys to move quickly if they want to bring Maresca to Glasgow.

“Enzo is a great candidate for the job and he’ll have learned a lot working under Pep for a year and getting little ideas from him,” said Snodgrass. “What you see with Pep and his style of play – that’s what Enzo looked up to. When he was at West Ham there were three or four different managers he’d study and try and work like in and out of possession.”

“I thought he was top class. An elite level coach. You could see he had all the credentials to be a top gaffer but the game is changing now and they want to be called coaches rather than managers because they want to coach players to become better.”

“Someone has to come in and give Christies, Edouards, Griffiths their confidence back. But I believe he’ll have other clubs trying to get him because he’s that good and I worked with him for 18 months before David Moyes came in and West Ham wanted to keep him,” he added.