Petrov says new Celtic boss can’t do full rebuild

FORMER Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has warned managerial candidates there is no time for a lengthy rebuild of the Parkhead squad.

Eddie Howe, Roy Keane and Manchester City reserve manager Enzo Maresca remain the frontrunners to replace Neil Lennon.

But whoever takes over is likely to face a massive overhaul, with a number of new signings likely to be required to pick up the pieces of this season’s shattered 10-in-a-row dreams.

However, Petrov insists the requirement to build a new team almost from scratch is an excuse the Celtic supporters are unlikely to accept.

The 41-year-old – who won four league titles, three Scottish Cups and another three League Cups at Celtic – believes the fans will expect their team to mount a rapid assault to retake the Scottish Premiership prize after seeing it wrestled from their grasp by Rangers following a decade of dominance.

The retired Bulgarian told the Celtic Huddle podcast: “I’m sorry to say this but I don’t think you can be a Celtic manager and say this is a rebuilding project. There’s no such thing.

“I came from a foreign country and I had to learn very quickly and understand the DNA of the club, the demands of the fans.

“When you are the manager, you don’t have time to do that, especially in today’s football industry. You don’t have time to rebuild.

“If you manage a club like Celtic, you have to win. You have to win as much as you can. If you don’t, you’ll lose your job.

“This is a job where people have to go in expecting to win. It’s not a rebuilding process. There’s no rebuilding time.

“That’s unfortunately the reality but you have to face it.”

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre and Arsenal great Thierry Henry are also among those to have be touted as Lennon’s successor in recent days.

Keane – who starred alongside Petrov in the Celtic midfield for six months in 2006 after leaving Manchester United – and former Bournemouth boss Howe remain the favourites in Petrov’s eyes.

But he would not be surprised to see other big names take an interest in the Parkhead post.

“Roy Keane and Eddie Howe are two very strong candidates, two candidates who can provide a lot to the Celtic fans,” he said.