Celtic’s Managerial Candidates – Efrain Juarez, Not a Chance

Efrain Juarez is the latest name to be linked with the vacant Celtic managerial position, and one that seems far fetched, even by the Scottish mainstream media’s pretty low standards. The Mexican is said to be on a eight man list of serious contenders to replace Brendan Rodgers, according to our pals in the media, but I think we can all file that under the total fabrication category.

The former Celtic midfielder who is still a sprightly 37 years of age cut his teeth in the coaching world as technical assistant under former Celtic manager Ronny Deila at New York City, before following the Norwegian to Standard Liege and Club Brugge were he held the same position.

Juárez then became his own man at Columbian side Atletico Nacional in 2024 and led them to a double in his only season in charge before stepping down due to ‘disagreements’ with the clubs management. His spell wasn’t without controversy as he was handed a whopping three year ban from all Colombian stadia as well as receiving a hefty fine for ‘Provocative celebrations’ although it was later revoked.

Juárez was then appointed boss of his boyhood club Universidad Nacional in his native Mexico in March of this year, and was soon in hot water with the beaks yet again as he was suspended for two games after an altercation with a match official.

Juárez also has an uninspiring 25.81 percent win rate at his present side, and that along with his disciplinary issues and history of disagreements with club bosses, is enough to suggest that he’s not someone who would be under consideration, even with this Celtic hierarchy.