Lure of European football will keep Strachan at Celtic, says Wim Jansen

May 25 2008 By Mark Guidi

WIM JANSEN knows exactly what it takes and how it feels to make history as Celtic manager.

But the man who quit Parkhead after masterminding a landmark title success is convinced Gordon Strachan won't do the same by walking away this summer.

The Dutchman believes the lure of going for four in a row will keep Strachan in the hotseat next season.

Jansen stopped Rangers racking up a record-breaking 10 successive championships a decade ago then stunned Hoops fans by leaving after growing disillusioned by the politics behind the scenes.

He has nothing but admiration for current Hoops gaffer Strachan who has achieved the seemingly impossible by clawing back Rangers' lead over six thrilling final weeks to win the title.

And Jansen insists there will be more glory in store for the boss who often has a love-hate relationship with Hoops punters.

He said: "When you are manager of Celtic the pressure is always on. It is only when you have won the title you feel the strain ease and can relax a little bit and enjoy life.

"It wasn't easy to stop Rangers winning 10 championships and it was only after I had been in Glasgow for a couple of months I fully appreciated what the rivalry was all about and how important it was for Celtic to win the league in 1998.

"When I started things were not so easy because we had to put together a new team. After a few months it became better, we gelled and had a squad to choose from.

"Then when we were crowned champions it gave me one of the best feelings I've had in my life.

"I know the emotions Gordon will be experiencing. I realise how hard it was to win one title never mind three in successive seasons.

"It is really special and he must feel so proud. Only Gordon can say what the future holds for him but I am sure he will know in his mind what he plans to do next season.

"Will he stay or go? I believe he would want to stay and win the fourth championship. Why not? He has been here for three years and knows what is needed.

"He has started something and may well feel there is more work to be done."

Strachan had to see off Walter Smith to win the title this year, the same as Jansen a decade ago. The Dutchman is full of respect for Smith who he feels is the right man to take Rangers forward and push Celtic all the way again next term.

Jansen said: "Walter is a good manager who knows what Rangers are about. He has a real attachment to the club and that is a good thing.

"I was not surprised he returned to take over last season - he would not have been happy Celtic were winning all the time. Rangers came so close this year and can improve again. It was a close fight and reminded me so much of 98.

"Now they will go at it again and it would be good for the supporters if there was the same drama.

"I watched Celtic beat Dundee United on telly and it was a special night. I was happy for the club and their fans."

Jansen is still highly regarded by Hoops fans and almost 60,000 of them will turn out today to watch his 98 team take on a Motherwell select in honour of Phil O'Donnell.

O'Donnell was part of Jansen's title-winning side and the ex-Celts boss said: "Phil was a special person who never once complained. He was also a true professional.

"It will be nice to go back to Celtic Park and I'm looking forward to it. To have every seat sold is unbelievable. Murdo MacLeod keeps me in touch with Scottish football and I always want Celtic to be successful.

"It was a great year inmy life and the supporters never let me forget.

"I now work for Feyenoord's technical department and recently visited Argentina to look at players.

"The steward on the flight was a Celtic fan and thanked me for stopping 10 in a row!

"No matter where you are how many years later, nobody will ever forget that achievement."

Jansen will also never be forgotten for bringing Henrik Larsson to the club.

The Swede joined from Feyenoord for just s650,000 and became arguably Celtic's greatest ever signing during seven glorious years.

Jansen was delighted with Larsson's contribution and knows every Hoops striker will now be compared to him.

He said: "Henrik was a special player and person to the Celtic fans.

"He had a great time at Parkhead then went on to win the Champions League with Barcelona.

"Celtic have had good strikers since and I like Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. He scored 20 goals this season and that is a good return.

"But he and every other striker will always be in the shadow of Henrik, not only for his goals but also his excellent technical ability."