Former Celtic boss Ronny Deila is sending Kjetil Knutsen a word of warning about the expectations at the ‘top level’ as Rangers eye up the Bodo/Glimt boss.
Kjetil Knutsen has shown his fair share of loyalty during five exceptional years in the Arctic Circle. But is Rangers an opportunity he is really willing to turn down?
At the age of 55, Knutsen feels long overdue a chance at one of Europe’s more high-profile football institutions and, according to 90Min, a favourite of footballing hipsters has at least ‘expressed an interest’ in joining the mainstream.
Should he arrive at Ibrox, inheriting a hotseat vacated by the scalded backside of Mick Beale, Knutsen will bring with him two Eliteserien titles, three Norwegian Coach of the Year awards, and a rather niche spot in football history.
Knutsen’s Bodo/Glimt are the only side to hit six goals past a Jose Mourinho team, hammering Roma in a remarkable Europa League victory back in 2021.
Kjetil Knutsen in contention for Rangers manager job
“He certainly has the potential to get a great job in Europe,” says Deila, Knutsen’s fellow Norwegian and the former Celtic boss speaking to VG. “But he must feel that it is right.
“Right now, it looks like he feels like he’s still in the flow zone (in Norway) and is developing and can create great things. I had that feeling a bit in Stromsgodset.
“Being a coach at the top level in Europe is a crazy move. Just ask (ex-Manchester United boss) Ole Gunnar Solskjær about it.”
Make no mistake, Knutsen would certainly find himself facing rather unfamiliar levels of pressure in the Glasgow goldfish bowl. As Beale found out the hard way, even victories can be played out to a chorus of unsatisfied jeers, Rangers booed off by their own fans against Motherwell recently.
Mick Beale sacked
“Celtic is a tough football club, and you have to learn to deal with that. Without saying anything negative about Bodo/Glimt or Stromsgodset, it is a completely different world. You can’t compare it,” adds Deila, who faced his fair share of criticism despite winning successive Premiership titles at Celtic between 2014 and 2016.
“There is much more loyalty in Norway while, abroad, you have to position yourself and be a clear leader in a completely different way. These are the things I have understood after much suffering, which have brought me to the position I am in today.”
Deila’s Club Brugge face Knutsen’s Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Confernce League tonight.
Rangers, meanwhile, are reportedly considering the likes of Frank Lampard, Philippe Clement, John Eustace and Pascal Jansen too.
