Jesse Marsch is not guaranteed to stay at Red Bull Salzburg beyond this season, after the American admitted his interest in the Celtic job, sporting director Christoph Freund told Sky Austria.
The Red Bull Arena is fast becoming one of Europe’s most feted finishing schools – and not just for talented young footballers like Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai and Sadio Mane.
Some of the game’s most exciting up-and-coming coaches have also honed their talents in the Austrian Bundesliga, from Adi Hutter to Thomas Letsch, Roger Schmidt to the Dortmund-bound Marco Rose.
Marsch, after guiding Salzburg to a league and cup double in his debut season, could be in the next cab off the rank.
The Scottish Sun reported in March that the Wisconsin-born 47-year-old has plenty of admirers in the Celtic boardroom.
When asked about interest from the Scottish Premiership giants, Marsch admitted that it was ‘an honour’ to be mentioned as a potential Neil Lennon replacement (BBC).
Freund, meanwhile, insists that the 2015 MLS Coach of the Year is happy and settled at Salzburg. That does not mean, however, that Marsch will still be flying the Red Bull flag next term.
“It has to be a really good overall package for him to say he is leaving. He has a quiet environment, loves working with young players. He has a lot of fun in Salzburg, his family feels good, we are successful,” the sporting director said.
“On the other hand, I cannot say with one hundred percent (certainty) that he will be my coach next year.
“No club has registered (their interest) yet. Jesse is good here, but we know that he only has a one-year contract. Some clubs have their eyes on him.”
As Freund himself admits, Marsch’s contract expires in 2022.
And a coach with a proven track record when it comes to lifting silverware, a coach famed for his high-octane, high-pressing, uber-attacking style, would certainly be welcomed with open arms at Celtic.
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