Brendan Rodgers Focuses on Raising Standards at Celtic Amid Contract Speculations
Brendan Rodgers has expressed his contentment at Celtic, emphasizing his commitment to elevating the club's standards. Despite being in the final year of his contract, the 52-year-old manager is unconcerned about his contract situation, stating he is "not the type of manager that's good at maintaining anything."
Rodgers, who returned to the Scottish champions in the summer of 2023, said, "There's no further update" regarding a contract extension. He reiterated his intention to stay for at least three years, dismissing rumors of an early departure. "I love being here. I've done two years, I've got one more to go," he affirmed.
In his second tenure in Glasgow, Rodgers has already secured two titles, a Scottish Cup, and a League Cup, adding to the seven trophies won during his previous stint from May 2016 to February 2019. "[Principal shareholder] Dermot [Desmond], [chief executive] Michael [Nicholson], and I had a conversation over the summer on where we are at and I said I'm very happy here," Rodgers said.
He emphasized the need for continuous improvement, stating, "I'm not the type of manager that's good at maintaining anything. If there's just something to maintain, I'm not the manager for Celtic. But to build, grow, develop and push, then, of course, I love being at Celtic."
Celtic begins their title defense against St Mirren on Sunday, with new signings including Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren, and Shin Yamada. However, Rodgers acknowledged "gaps in the squad that are very clear," following the departures of Nicolas Kuhn and Greg Taylor, and Jota's long-term injury.
Rodgers, who has previously managed Liverpool and Leicester City, described Celtic as "one of the biggest clubs in world football," with high demands and expectations. He confirmed an imminent loan deal for Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, adding, "The message to the supporters is everyone here will be doing their utmost to improve on last season. It's a really exciting season ahead and if we can add where we need to add, it can be even better for us."
On his future, Rodgers stated, "I know what I give every single day. If the club chooses to offer (a new contract) and see that as the way forward, great. If not, it doesn't really matter in relation to what I give to the job."