Brendan Rodgers’ sudden departure has left Celtic in a pickle and created a ripple effect that could reach all the way down to Southampton. The Scottish giants have appointed Martin O’Neill as interim boss but are now searching for a permanent manager.
But the sort of manager Celtic are after could have big implications for clubs like Southampton who are also looking for some stability and a long-term vision.
Rodgers had a falling out with the club hierarchy after a run of poor results, and it’s fair to say the split was as much about disagreement off the pitch as it was on it. Now Celtic’s need to find someone who can handle the huge pressure of winning trophies, managing big egos and keeping the team competitive in Europe. That’s a tough ask, and the list of managers who can do all that isn’t that long.
Meanwhile, down at Southampton, things are looking different. Will Still is still in charge down at St Mary’s but his position is by no means secure after a poor start to the season.
Southampton have been all over the place and results have been terrible so far, with frustration building among fans as promotion hopes have started to fade. Still’s future could well depend on the results of the next few games, and that uncertainty makes Celtic’s search for a new manager all the more relevant for the Saints.
Why Celtic’s decision matters for Southampton
For Southampton, the worry is that Celtic will snap up one of the managers who is in their sights. If they move quickly, they could drain the market of the exact sort of manager the Saints would want : ambitious, well tactically aware and comfortable under pressure.
And if Celtic take their time to make a decision, it could just delay the decision of other clubs out there who don’t want to commit to anyone just yet.
Both clubs are going to be looking for a similar type of manager ; somebody in the young to mid-career bracket with strong ideas, a proven track record of developing players and the ability to handle a demanding environment.
Celtic are offering the chance to win trophies and play in European competition while Southampton can offer a more patient project that’s built around youth and consistency. But because both clubs value modern, attacking football and long-term planning (yes, even if that's hard to believe, Southampton fans), they could well end up looking at the same names.
Southampton need to get their timing right and get their messaging spot on. If they can sell the right manager on the idea of patience and structure, something that Celtic can’t offer with their white knuckle ride of a club environment , then they can turn this to their advantage.
One way this would really work out for Southampton is if Rodgers himself were to come down to the South Coast. A move back to England would make sense for him, he still has a great reputation for his tactics and for being able to get the best out of his players.
Either way, the two teams are now in a situation where their fates are tied together.