Charlie Mulgrew has urged Celtic bosses to make a bold move by splashing the cash to appoint Jurgen Klopp. The Hoops are currently in search of a new manager following Brendan Rodgers’ shock departure, with Martin O’Neill making a dramatic return as interim boss. O’Neill has already made his mark, guiding the Celts to consecutive victories and into the Premier Sports Cup Final after defeating Rangers in the semi-finals.
However, Celtic’s top brass, led by Dermot Desmond, are considering a range of potential candidates as they decide who will take over the reins permanently. In 2016, Desmond made a significant statement by enticing former Liverpool manager Rodgers to Glasgow to replace Ronny Deila. Despite the relationship between Rodgers and Desmond eventually turning sour, Rodgers dominated Scottish football during his two stints, securing 11 out of 13 domestic trophies including two trebles.
Now, Mulgrew is encouraging Desmond to make another high-profile appointment by reaching out to Premier League and Champions League winner Klopp. Since leaving Anfield in 2024, the German legend has taken a break from management, taking up a role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.
While it seems highly unlikely that the former Borussia Dortmund manager would consider a move to Scotland, Mulgrew believes Klopp could be persuaded – a suggestion that amused ex-Rangers duo Kris Boyd and Steven Naismith on the latest episode of The Warm-Up show.
Mulgrew stated: “I would go all out and get Jurgen Klopp in the door.” Boyd responded: “Oh my days…”
While Naismith interjected: “Jesus! Are you playing Football Manager here, man? You can’t say that with a straight face!”.
Mulgrew retorted: “Why not? £7million a year. Give him it. Jurgen Klopp in the door. What’s your argument against it? I know it’s unrealistic, right. But could Dermot Desmond go, ‘Do you know what? We’re going to bounce back after Rodgers here and we’re going to go big.”
Naismith then questioned: “If you’re Jurgen Klopp, are you thinking, ‘I’m going to go to Celtic when I could go to any top five league in the world?'”
Mulgrew argued: “There aren’t many bigger European teams than Celtic. If it was Rangers, it would be a different story… you wouldn’t go anywhere near that place!”
But Boyd replied: “Charles, let’s move on. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” Before Mulgrew challenged: “Who would you take at Celtic? You are raging because you don’t want it to be Klopp. You are shooting it down in case it gathers pace and Klopp goes, ‘Oh, I quite fancy that!’ You are raging about that!”
Boyd denied: “It’s definitely not happening,” while Naismith admitted: “I think it’s a hard appointment.” Mulgrew then mentioned: “Somebody mentioned Del McInnes.”
But Boyd rejected: “No chance,” which Naismith agreed with: “I can’t see it.” Mulgrew concluded: “Me either. An ex-Rangers player cannot take the Celtic job.”
