Next Celtic manager: Premier League assistant now targeted

Celtic are now considering a new move for Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou is heading for Tottenham Hotspur and Enzo Maresca could now replace him in the Celtic dugout.

That is according to the Daily Record, who claim that Celtic would like Brendan Rodgers to return to Parkhead.

Yet with the Northern Irishman seemingly wanting time out of management, Celtic are having to look at other options.

The second choice for the job is thought to be Maresca, who has considerable backing from Celtic decision-makers.

This would be another case of Celtic looking for the City Football Group connection as they go for a new manager.

Tottenham-bound Postecoglou was in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos – a City Football Group club – before luring him to Parkhead.

Celtic’s Mark Lawwell came over from City and that influence now appears to be key with Maresca wanted again.

Who is Celtic target Enzo Maresca?

Some will remember Maresca’s name from his playing days.

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The Italian broke through at West Bromwich Albion before turning out for the likes of Juventus, Fiorentina and Sevilla in a strong career.

Maresca turned to coaching in 2017 as he joined Ascoli and former club Sevilla.

Maresca moved on to West Ham United in 2018, joining Manuel Pellegrini’s staff having played for the Chilean at Malaga.

The most interesting move game in 2020 as Maresca became Manchester City’s Under-23 boss.

Maresca won the Premier League 2 title with City and then headed back to Italy as he got his first senior managerial chance with Parma.

That didn’t go to plan; Maresca was sacked after just four wins in 14 games and returned to City as an assistant to Pep Guardiola last summer.

Now a key cog in City’s machine, Maresca could now go for another shot at management with Celtic.

This isn’t the first time Celtic have eyed up Maresca either.

The Sunday Post reported in 2021 that Celtic had been in contact with Maresca to replace Neil Lennon.

The job went to Postecoglou at the time, but Celtic haven’t forgotten about Maresca and could now launch a new move for the 43-year-old.