Kilmarnock v Celtic - Viaplay Cup - Second Round - The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers centre speaks to his backroom staff prior to kick-off in the Viaplay Cup second round match at The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, Kilmarnock. Picture date: Sunday August 20, 2023. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xStevexWelshx 73393894
Brendan Rodgers loved his time at Leicester but says managing Celtic is about ‘a feeling’ that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
The Bhoys boss is busy preparing for a new season but has been reflecting on the successes of last term after securing a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
His return to Celtic was always going to be heavily scrutinised considering the nature of his 2019 exit to the Foxes.
Rodgers has admitted himself there were awkward moments for him in the initial months of the campaign.
However, unity between the support, players and coaching staff was ultimately achieved and that proved to be the springboard towards more trophy domination in Scotland.
Brendan Rodgers wants to stay at Celtic as long as he can
Speaking to the official club website, Rodgers said: “From a professional perspective, I was really pleased that we grew as the season went on because that’s what is important – coming in, picking up a group of players and convincing them to work how we want to work, and then seeing that develop and grow as the season goes on.
“To then finish with a double was absolutely brilliant, and everyone is now away into the summer really proud of their club, and that’s what you always want.
“I had a really great time at Leicester – good people, a fantastic club, and we created history there – but Joe Hart said it, and he was right – Celtic is about a feeling and that was what we wanted coming back, from a personal perspective – me and all my family, and we’ve been able to feel that since we’ve been back.
“So, for me, I’m very lucky to manage such an amazing club and I want to be here for as long as I can and bring as much success as I can.”
A settled Rodgers will bring massive success to Celtic
The manager is now firmly settled and happy in Glasgow again, with all of that initial awkwardness washed away. He is well-placed to push on and improve Celtic further.
Last season was a tricky one for all sorts of reasons – star players leaving, a sluggish transfer window and injuries all took their toll.
However, the manager’s trophy success has given him greater strength and a remit to push for the quality he needs to take the club to another level.
If the board backs him on that vision then it’s hard to see anything but good times ahead for supporters. Keep Rodgers happy and everyone at the club should benefit. His trophy count of nine as Bhoys boss is set to go up and up.
