"I love Celtic, I love managing Celtic," Brendan Rodgers

Showing 4 of 4

Q: I think this is the first time I’ve had the chance to speak to you since Russell Martin left (the)Rangers. What was your reaction to the news and the surprise that he was given such a short period of time, albeit there was fans protesting?

New Rangers Head Coach Russell Martin ninth dressing room at Ibrox Stadium. Russell Martin unveiled as the new…Photo IMAGO / Shutterstock

Brendan Rodgers: “I think you’re always disappointed when any manager loses his job and Russell being no different. It was a challenge that he’ll learn from in his career. He’s got many more years left as a coach and a manager. I’ve always said, when you manage here at Celtic or (the)Rangers, the pressure really is relentless. You find out things about yourself and this role and this job, and I’m sure he would have done that. I wish him all the best, and he’ll probably have a bit of time out and then look to go again and use this experience.”

Q: You said earlier this morning that a job in the Premier League sometimes can feel like a holiday compared to up here. Is that something underestimated?

🗣 “It would be like a holiday!” 🏝️

Brendan Rodgers compares the pressure of managing Celtic to being in charge at a Premier League club 😓 pic.twitter.com/ND6S6fkVyG

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 17, 2025

Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, I think it’s something that, especially for people down south and without knowing the level and the intensity and the sheer size of the clubs up here. Especially Celtic and (the)Rangers, they’re huge clubs. I’ve always said that this job here is right up there in terms of pressure. From managing at different clubs in the Premier League at different times, a promoted club, a mid-table club and a top club. Celtic is right up there at the very top in terms of pressure and resilience needed. It is a challenge for every manager, especially coming into Celtic and (the)Rangers. You only hope that you can meet that pressure and deal with that and somehow succeed.”

Q: It looks like Kevin Muscat is going to be appointed at (the)Rangers. He spent most of his career in Asia and Australia. Is he someone you’ve ever come across in your career? Also, when your rivals appoint a new manager, is it a challenge you welcome or do you not pay too much heed to it?

Brendan Rodgers: “I think every team that changes manager, you always accept and take on the challenge of new ideas and that freshness that they may bring. I don’t know Kevin that well, but I came across him a few times when I was at Liverpool. He came in to training when I was manager at Liverpool and I spent some time with him there. Then, of course, when we travelled over to Australia with Liverpool and met him and Ange when I was there. As I said, I don’t know him that well, but he’s done a really good job in the teams that he’s been at in Asia. If he’s to be the new manager coming in, then it’s another new challenge. As I said, for us, we’ll be ready for it.”

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.