Moyes has been installed among the favourites to succeed Deila at Celtic Park, and his three-year spell at the club during his playing days is likely to play in his favour.
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As part of his statement on Wednesday morning, Deila said: “It is vital that the club comes first, instead of me being the focus”.
It can not be forgotten that Deila took over at a time when the financial ambition of the club had been drastically scaled back – it was the very reason he got the job. “I thank Ronny and once again wish him well for the future”.
Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane has been mentioned as a possible replacement, while two other former Celtic players – David Moyes and Malky Mackay – have not distanced themselves from the job in recent weeks.
“It is a privilege to be the Celtic manager and I did everything I could to try and make it right”. The Hoops have failed to successfully negotiate the Champions League qualifiers in the last two seasons, and had a poor Europa League campaign. I am not saying he would be the greatest tactician, but I think he would bring a different drive and a different energy to the club. ‘I sign the players.
Of course, as Gary Neville proved during an ill-fated spell at Valencia, the life of a manager is hard, and a club of Celtic’s stature will serve as a baptism of fire for Giggs.
Celtic hold an eight-point advantage over closest rivals Aberdeen with just five games left.
“There have been some disappointments and times when we have not achieved what we had hoped for, and I’m realistic and honest enough to admit that”, Deila added. “You have asked me many times about improvements and I haven’t answered those questions really well over the last month”. I’ve made no secret of the fact I want to be head coach at Leeds next season.
Celtic’s search for a successor is hampered by financial constraints in the SPFL and the budget available for a rebuilding job.
I have to look myself in the mirror and say: ‘Okay, this and this was good, but….’
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The former Scotland forward is arguably the most risky weapon on the Parkhead books but Deila did not seem to trust the 32-year-old. “Hopefully I’ll get a little bit of sun first, then I will use time to reflect upon things but in football you never know what will happen”.
