Brendan Rodgers is expected to take a sabbatical after leaving Leicester City with the former Celtic boss reportedly ‘aware’ that his return to Parkhead would elicit a less-than-thrilled response from some Hoops supporters.
Football fans have long memories indeed.
And while Brendan Rodgers remains Celtic’s most successful manager since the legendary Martin O’Neil – seven trophies in just two-and-a-half years at the Parkhead helm – the nature of his departure served only to undo all that goodwill.
“Of course, it takes you aback a wee bit,” a rattled Rodgers said after furious Celtic fans unfurled a banner reading ‘You traded immortality for mediocrity. Never a Celt. Always a fraud’ following his controversial departure in the spring of 2019.
“The supporters are hurting and I understand that. It’s a shame, of course, because from the moment I walked into Celtic I gave my life to the club. I put everything into the training and preparation of the team. A lot of the people wouldn’t know that.”
Would Brendan Rodgers really return to Celtic?
Reports from Sky Sports suggesting that Rodgers could be in line for a dramatic return to his old stomping ground – Celtic need a new head coach as Ange Postecoglou prepares to put pen to paper with Tottenham Hotspur – have split the fanbase down the middle.
For all those who would welcome Rodgers back and tell him that all is forgiven, there are those who feel that the one-time Liverpool boss has already burned his Bhoys bridges.
According to the Daily Record, Rodgers is ‘aware’ of the reaction his Parkhead return could elicit. The 50-year-old is planning to take a sabbatical instead, The Sun add. Perhaps feeling that a second spell at Celtic is not worth the trouble and the drama.
Celtic could turn to Enzo Maresca instead.
A disciple of Pep Guardiola; the Manchester City U23 boss has been on Celtic’s radar before. He would presumably build upon Postecoglou’s legacy, rather than take a sledgehammer to the home the Aussie built.
Jesse Marsch and Kjetil Knutsen have also been linked, but appear far less likely at this stage.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
