The prodigal son returns
Brendan Rodgers has made a sensational return to Celtic, four years after leaving the club for Leicester City. The Northern Irishman, who won seven trophies in his first spell at Celtic Park, has signed a three-year deal to replace Ange Postecoglou, who left for Tottenham Hotspur last week.
Rodgers said he was delighted to be back at Celtic and thanked the board for their trust and support. He also addressed the mixed feelings among some fans, who felt betrayed by his departure in 2019.
“I know there are some people who are not happy with me, and I understand that. But I hope they can see that I have always loved this club and I have always given my best for it,” he said.
“I left because I felt it was the right time for me and for the club. I had a great opportunity at Leicester, but things didn’t work out as I hoped. I have learned a lot from that experience and I am ready to come back and give everything for Celtic again.”
A legacy to build on
Rodgers inherits a Celtic team that is 10 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, having won 16 of their 18 games so far. The Hoops are also in the last 16 of the Europa League, where they will face Ajax next month.
Rodgers said he was impressed by the work of Postecoglou, who led Celtic to their first trophy of the season by beating Rangers in the League Cup final last month.
“Ange did a fantastic job in a short period of time. He brought a lot of energy and positivity to the club and he won a lot of admirers. I want to continue that momentum and build on the foundations he laid,” he said.
“I have watched a lot of Celtic games this season and I have seen a lot of quality and character in the team. They play with a lot of intensity and flair, and they have a winning mentality. I am looking forward to working with them and helping them improve even more.”
A familiar face in the dugout
Rodgers will be joined by his former assistant manager Chris Davies, who also left Leicester with him in April. Davies was Rodgers’ right-hand man at Celtic, Liverpool and Swansea City, and will resume his role as the new Celtic assistant manager.
Rodgers will also retain key backroom staff John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan, who were part of Postecoglou’s coaching team. Kennedy, who was the interim manager after Rodgers left in 2019, will be the first-team coach, while Strachan will be the head of performance analysis.
Rodgers said he was delighted to have Davies back with him and praised Kennedy and Strachan for their loyalty and professionalism.
“Chris is a brilliant coach and a great friend. We have worked together for a long time and we have a strong relationship. He knows how I work and he knows what I expect from the players. He will be a huge asset for us,” he said.
“John and Gavin are two outstanding people who have been at Celtic for a long time. They have shown great commitment and dedication to the club and they have a lot of knowledge and experience. I am very happy to have them on board and I am looking forward to working with them.”
A warm welcome for a new signing
Rodgers also revealed that he had a special moment with Reo Hatate, the Japanese midfielder who joined Celtic from Kawasaki Frontale last week. Hatate, who scored on his debut against Dundee United on Sunday, was embraced by Rodgers after the game.
Rodgers said he was impressed by Hatate’s performance and personality, and said he was excited to work with him and the other new signings.
“Reo is a fantastic player and a lovely boy. He has a lot of talent and a lot of potential. He showed that on Sunday with a great goal and a great display. He is also very humble and respectful. He came over to me after the game and gave me a big hug. It was a very nice gesture and it showed me his character,” he said.
“I am looking forward to working with him and the other new players who have joined the club. They have all added quality and depth to the squad and they have all settled in well. They have a lot to offer and I am sure they will make a big contribution to the team.”
A message to the fans
Rodgers said he was eager to meet the Celtic fans again and thanked them for their support and passion. He said he hoped they would get behind him and the team and help them achieve their goals.
“The Celtic fans are amazing. They are the lifeblood of the club and they make Celtic what it is. They have always supported me and the team and they have always created a fantastic atmosphere at Celtic Park and away from home,” he said.
“I know some of them are still hurt by my decision to leave, and I respect that. But I hope they can forgive me and give me another chance. I am here to serve the club and the fans and I am here to win trophies and make them happy.”
“I am very excited to be back at Celtic and I can’t wait to get started. I hope the fans will join me on this journey and we can enjoy some great moments together. We are Celtic and we are one.”
