Rafa Benitez to Celtic? … 'There was interest but not option today'
A leading Spanish football expert has responded to reports that Rafael Benitez is set to be appointed Celtic manager.
Guillem Balague believes ben itez will be looking to" rest" after leaving Chinese side Dalian Pro despite a report in the Sunday Mirror claiming the former Liverpool and Newcastle boss is set to succeed Neil Lennon at Parkhead.
A flurry of bets saw the 60-year-old race into the odds-on favourite to become the next Hoops manager, with one bookmaker closing the market, but Balague is not convinced that an imminent move to Glasgow is on the cards.
He tweeted: "Rafa Benitez to Celtic? There was interest in him but not an option today. He's going to rest for a bit, despite offers (from Germany, also a national side).”
Benitez has left Dalian by mutual consent, citing the impact of coronavirus as the main reason for his departure. The Spaniard was appointed at the Chinese outfit in July 2019 after failing to agree a new contract at Newcastle.
The 60-year-old has previously spoken about being linked with the Celtic post following Rodgers’ sudden exit in February 2019.
“I was aware of some interest but we didn’t have any official approach,” confirmed Benitez when asked if he had been in the frame for a move to Parkhead.
“I was still under contract at Newcastle so we couldn’t even consider this option.”
Current Celtic boss Lennon, pictured, is under severe pressure as rivals Rangers, who are 23 points clear at the top of the Premiership, run away with the title.
Theformer Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe had moved to odds-on just days ago in the wake of Celtic’s 2-2 draw at Livingston in midweek.
Calls for Lennon to leave have included one from John Hartson, which led to Lennon rounding on his former team-mate in an explosive pre-match media conference early last week. Lennon insisted Hartson’s comments meant nothing to him. Hartson admitted Lennon’s response hurt, and revealed how he’s come under fire for changing his position after backing his mate previously.