39-year-old says he dreams of managing Celtic

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Massimo Donati has told Tribal Football that he dreams of managing Celtic as the Hoops continue to scour the market for a new manager – following the resignation of Neil Lennon earlier this month, as Rangers ended their pursuit of 10 in a row.

Donati, 39, joined Celtic on a permanent basis in 2007 and spent three seasons at the club – clocking up 50 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish outfit. He has since had spells at Hamilton and St. Mirren, and worked at Kilmarnock.

The former midfielder – who clocked up 26 caps for Italy’s Under-21 side but failed to ever play at senior level – was appointed to the coaching staff under Angelo Alessio at Rugby Park and remained in his role until June 2020.

Although he has never boasted a managerial job of his own, ex-Celtic man Donati makes it clear that he wants to enter the world of management and that one day he dreams of taking charge of the Hoops. Replacing Lennon, though, is very unlikely.

“Working at Kilmarnock was a great experience,” Donati said. “I have big plans as a manager in the future, I am just waiting for the right opportunity and I can’t wait for it to arrive. Celtic is really a great club.

“Not even I was aware of its greatness until I found myself living it every day. From the point of view of the organisation (and not only that) it is very similar to Milan. My dream/goal is to become manager of Celtic one day.”

TBR’s view – Donati certainly not cut out to be Celtic manager

But there is certainly a chance for Donati to be on any potential coaching team under the next Hoops boss. Certainly, Brendan Rodgers benefitted from bringing in coaches that had Celtic background and it worked – such as Damien Duff.

He needs experience before he even stands a chance of managing Celtic, and following in Lennon’s footsteps. Whether working on the Celtic coaching team gives him that opportunity, or going elsewhere to manage first helps more, it remains to be seen.