FORMER CELTIC MANAGER Gordon Strachan has stated that Brendan Rodgers has NOT achieved all he can with the Scottish Champions yet and dismissed any talk of the Irishman leaving Celtic.
Strachan was speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘The Debate’ and was adamant that Rodgers could only be tempted to leave Celtic by ‘a heck’ of a job offer.
“He’s not done all he can. If you are leaving Celtic, it has to be for a heck of a job, when you’ve got a chance to continue the success he’s enjoying at the moment.”
Since joining Celtic in May 2016, Celtic have won 4 trophies and are in contention for another 2 before the end of the season, as Rodgers targets back to back trebles. Brendan Rodgers presided over a 69 match unbeaten run, a British record and two successful Champions League qualifications.
The target of still being involved in European football after Christmas this season was also met, although Celtic disappointed in St Petersburg in their Europa League second leg with Zenit.
But a fourth place then a third place in the Champions League group stages will have Rodgers anxious to finish higher and get through to the Champions League knock-out stages.
“They’re in the Champions League, that’s the big bonus. I’m sure he wants to say ‘We’ve not qualified yet,’ I want to qualify and play the real big boys of the competition.’
“That’s what Celtic gives you. Okay, there are some games that are kind of academic, but you get on with it, you win.
“But for these nights, and these nights at Celtic Park, they’re incredible. Does he want to give it up? I don’t know about that.”
The discussion is only being had on the back of Arsenal’s current plight under Arsene Wenger and naturally, the best managers are coveted for the job. However, Rodgers has stated in the past he has a long term plan at Celtic and that he’s enjoying his life in Glasgow.
Domestically Rodgers will want to retain the Treble – thus making history foe himself and his team – and then look to the summer in order to strengthen the side to make it more ‘Champions League read’ as everyone accepts that this is necessary.
That means working with a Celtic board that is prepared to match the ambitions of the manager. Celtic are better resourced than at any time in their history, £30million is sitting in the bank, the Virgil van Dijk transfer windfall is still to arrive, with Brendan the Champions League qualification 3 in a row brings in another £30milllion.
What price NOT getting through? The bigger risk is surely NOT investing sufficiently in the team this summer.
And remember, it’s important to keep Brendan interested! He has unfinished business…
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