Celtic have reportedly held talks to lure Brendan Rodgers back to Parkhead despite the Northern Irishman being Leeds United’s preferred choice as manager – so, should Leeds look at Enzo Maresca, another man on Celtic’s list?
Rodgers, 50, is out of work and has been since his sacking by Leicester City during 2022-23. Of course, he worked for Celtic for almost three years before his move to the King Power. He is renowned for being a childhood Celtic fan.
Phil Hay said the ex-Liverpool and Swansea boss is the man Leeds “really want” to hire, but are aware it will be a job to convince him to step down to the Championship. Celtic, meanwhile, are locked in talks with Rodgers right now.
So, with Celtic looking the more-likely pull – especially, given Celtic are in the Champions League group stages next season – Leeds are likely to miss out. Moving on, Leeds should look at Celtic’s second-choice option, Maresca.
A report from The Daily Record describes Manchester City’s assistant manager as the second favourite to Rodgers to take over at Celtic. He worked as City’s Under-23 manager – before a move to Parma – and then a return to City.
Celtic hold Rodgers talks, so Leeds should look at Maresca instead
Maresca is renowned for bringing through a number of young stars at City. He gave Darko Gyabi his Under-21 debut in Premier League 2 during the 2020-21 season, while the talent was coming through the Manchester City ranks.
Leicester are also said to be interested in Maresca, with the Record claiming the Foxes have held an interview. But Maresca would get Leeds playing nice football. Last time Pep Guardiola’s assistant took a job – he did pretty well.
So, if Celtic take Rodgers and Leicester prefer to go with the likes of Graham Potter or Scott Parker, Leeds should really consider a move for Maresca. A man described as an “invaluable asset” to Guardiola by Txiki Begiristain.
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