April 21 – Not many clubs sack their coach with the domestic league title about to be won. But in Scotland, where Celtic are by far the biggest fish in a relatively small pool of winners, expectations go much further than perennial success in the top flight.
Losing to your arch-rivals, for instance, is unthinkable, especially when they come from a lower division.
Hence the announced exit of Celtic’s Norwegian manager Ronny Deila at the end of the season, just three days after a Scottish Cup semi final defeat on penalties by Rangers.
“There have been some disappointments and times when we have not achieved what we had hoped for,” said Deila. “I’m realistic and honest enough to admit that.”
Deila claimed in February that he would never freely quit Celtic. He led them to the title and the domestic League Cup last season and they currently lead the Scottish Premier League by eight points from Aberdeen with five games remaining.
However, Celtic have had two disappointing European campaigns, failing to reach the Champions League group stage in consecutive seasons and finishing bottom of their Europa League group this time round.
There will be no shortage of interested candidates for the job given Celtic’s stature but reputation alone will be no guarantee of security – especially with Rangers about to return to the SPL after winning promotion.
Celtic may be on the verge of a fifth successive SPL title but in Europe they have arguably gone backwards, something Deila’s replacement will be expected to rectify.
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