Former Rangers manager Philippe Clement has sparked controversy in Scottish football after expressing interest in the Celtic managerial position as the club considers O’neill future following an inconsistent season. Celtic captain Callum McGregor has become one of the first figures to react, delivering a strong response to Clement’s interest in succeeding Martin O’Neill.
Clement, who currently manages Norwich City, has expressed his willingness to make a return to Scottish football, with Celtic emerging as the potential destination. His interest in the position has immediately generated discussions among supporters, particularly because of his previous managerial spell at Rangers.
The Belgian manager previously took charge of Rangers, where he experienced the intensity of Scottish football and the enormous expectations that come with managing one of the country’s biggest clubs. However, his time at Ibrox eventually came to an end following disappointing results and growing pressure from supporters.
Now, with Celtic facing questions about their managerial direction, Clement’s interest in the position has introduced another unexpected dimension to the ongoing conversation about Martin O’Neill’s successor.
The possibility of a former Rangers manager taking charge of Celtic has not gone down well with sections of the Parkhead faithful, with many questioning whether the club would consider appointing someone who previously represented their biggest rivals.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor was quick to respond to Clement’s interest, taking to social media platform X to express his displeasure at the suggestion.
McGregor did not hold back in his response, questioning whether Celtic would seriously consider bringing the former Rangers manager to Parkhead.
“Celtic is not so low to take that sheet. He seems to have forgotten how he was sacked from Rangers,” McGregor.
His response has further intensified the debate surrounding Clement’s potential appointment, with the Celtic captain making it clear that the Belgian’s history at Ibrox could become a major obstacle.
Clement’s previous connection with Rangers remains a sensitive issue among Celtic supporters, considering the historic rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs. Any managerial appointment involving someone who previously managed the opposition is always likely to attract significant attention.
Several Celtic supporters have also taken to social media to criticise Clement’s interest, questioning whether he understands the expectations and standards associated with managing the Scottish champions.
Some fans believe his previous experience at Rangers should automatically rule him out of consideration, while others argue that Celtic must focus on managerial quality rather than allowing rivalry to influence their decision.
@DavidWilson: “Clement at Celtic? Absolutely no chance! Have we forgotten he was Rangers manager? Some things should never happen at Parkhead.”
@JamesThomson: “Callum McGregor is spot on. Celtic are a massive club, and there are better candidates than a former Rangers manager.”
@ScottMorrison: “Imagine Clement walking into Celtic Park as our manager after everything that happened at Ibrox. This has to be a joke!”
@AndrewCampbell: “Martin O’Neill deserves respect, and whoever succeeds him must understand what Celtic means. Clement is not the answer for me.”
@RobertStewart: “Clement would have a massive job winning over Celtic supporters. His Rangers history makes this a very controversial possibility.”
@DanielFraser: “I’m fully behind Callum McGregor on this one. Celtic should be looking forward, not bringing in someone whose Rangers history will divide supporters.”
Nevertheless, Clement’s managerial experience in Scotland gives him an understanding of the competitive demands of the Premiership. His previous involvement in the Old Firm rivalry also means he understands the pressure that comes with managing either side of Glasgow’s football divide.
However, winning over the Celtic supporters would be a significant challenge, especially considering the reaction that has followed his interest in the position.
Martin O’Neill’s future continues to attract attention as discussions surrounding Celtic’s next managerial direction gather momentum. The club will need to make an important decision about the leadership required to maintain its domestic ambitions and compete at the highest level.
Clement’s name has now entered the conversation, but Callum McGregor’s strong reaction demonstrates the potential difficulties surrounding such an appointment.
With supporters already expressing their opposition, the prospect of the former Rangers boss moving to Parkhead has become one of the major talking points in Scottish football.
