Jens Berthel Askou is drawing admiration from an unlikely corner, with former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands backing him as an ideal candidate to take charge at Celtic.
Lovenkrands has been particularly impressed by the job Askou has done with Motherwell this season.
Few anticipated the level they’ve reached, but their performances and style have caught plenty of attention across the league.
Speaking to RecordSport, the ex-Rangers man highlighted why he believes Askou fits the profile Celtic should be looking for.
He described the Dane as one of the standout managers right now, praising the attractive football his side plays and suggesting a move to Parkhead could be the natural next step.
Lovenkrands pointed to Askou’s familiarity with Scottish football as a major advantage. Having already worked in the league, he understands the demands and pressures that come with it. He also noted that with greater financial backing and a stronger squad, Askou could potentially elevate his approach even further at a club like Celtic.
Another factor mentioned was the potential affordability of a deal. Lovenkrands hinted that if Askou were to move elsewhere particularly to England and succeed, bringing him back north of the border could become far more difficult financially.
He also touched on Askou’s background, referencing his time with FC Copenhagen as evidence that he’s no stranger to high expectations.
According to Lovenkrands, the pressure in Denmark mirrors what managers face in Scotland, suggesting Askou has already been tested in demanding environments.
On a personal level, however, Lovenkrands admitted he’d rather not see the move happen. Strengthening Celtic with a manager of Askou’s calibre could make them even more formidable next season—something that wouldn’t sit well with Rangers supporters.
Despite that, he acknowledged the logic behind such an appointment.
Rather than taking a gamble on someone unfamiliar with the league, Celtic could turn to a manager who has already proven himself within it, delivering results on a limited budget.
The race continues
The search for Celtic’s next manager is still ongoing, with no final decision made. Robbie Keane remains in contention, while Roberto Martinez and Askou are also firmly in the mix.
With plenty of potential at Parkhead, attention will also turn to the summer transfer window. Backing the next manager properly could be key to building a side capable of meeting expectations and delivering success in the seasons ahead.
