Celtic have been linked with a number of potential managerial candidates from across the spectrum but one of those men has been touted for a big Premier League job
Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen before his team's match at Royal Antwerp
Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has been attracting attention(Image: Belga/AFP via Getty Images)
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Nicky Hayen is one of the names in the mix for the vacant Celtic managerial job, but the man who hired him for his last spell in British football believes the Belgian has the quality to succeed Arne Slot at Liverpool. Club Brugge boss Hayen, 45, is one of the men mentioned as a potential replacement for Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead after the Northern Irishman tendered his resignation.
Hayen has impressed in Belgium since taking charge of Brugge's academy side in 2022. He took over the senior team in 2024 after Ronny Deila's departure and led them into the Champions League round of 16 last term and oversaw a 9-1 aggregate demolition of Rangers in qualification for this year's tournament.
Before returning to his homeland, Hayen spent a year with Welsh side Haverfordwest County. Chairman Rob Edwards was the man who appointed him to the role, and he has been talking up the Belgian boss in an interview with Sport.
"I believe Nicky Hayen will replace Arne Slot as Liverpool manager within two years," Edwards said. He hailed the "workaholic" Hayen while waxing lyrical about the work he did with the players during his one season in Wales.
"You could see it from the impact he had on the players," Edwards said. "He dedicated his time to getting to know the players. He was very methodical. He asked about their well-being; he was also concerned about the mental aspect of the game.
"He was very calm. He wasn't one of those who shouted in the dressing room; he spoke and listened. Despite not being the loudest or most aggressive, he had a special aura. He's a family man, he doesn't drink, he doesn't use social media. He simply focuses on his work."
Craig Bellamy during Wales vs Belgium
Wales boss Craig Bellamy is another man linked with the Celtic job
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Hayen's name is one of many to be mentioned in connection with the Celtic job. Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney have taken interim charge following Rodgers' departure, but a new permanent appointment is expected soon.
Craig Bellamy, who represented both Celtic and Liverpool during his playing career, is one of the others in the conversation. Kieran McKenna, Robbie Keane and Kjetil Knutsen have also been floated, while a return for former Bhoys boss Ange Postecoglou now appears unlikely.
At Anfield, Slot's job isn't under any immediate threat despite a difficult start to the season. The reigning Premier League champions lost four straight games in the league to increase the scrutiny on the team and the manager but beat Aston Villa on Saturday to return to the top four.
"I think everyone who was here today felt the importance of the game, the players and fans as well," Slot said after the 2-0 victory over Unai Emery's side."We showed character and won the game."
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