Brendan Rodgers humorously remarked that he has heard Jose Mourinho is set to replace him as Celtic manager, following the Fenerbahce boss’ openness to a potential managerial role in Scotland…
Speaking before Fenerbahce’s shock 3-1 Europa League defeat to theRangers in Istanbul, the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid manager admitted that he might consider taking charge of Celtic or the Ibrox club in the future.
Mourinho praised ‘fantastic coach’ Rodgers
Also, Mourinho praised Brendan Rodgers as a ‘fantastic coach’ and emphasised that he isn’t currently seeking a new job, though he didn’t rule out a future move to Glasgow.
During Friday’s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Cup quarter-final clash against Hibernian, Rodgers was asked for his thoughts on the possibility of Mourinho managing in Scotland one day.
Laughing, Rodgers responded: “Well, I’ve heard he’s taking my job! He’s a great man. You guys would love him up here, plenty headlines for you, instead of the boring Irish man that is sat here. He’s good value, Jose and a top manager.”
When questioned whether Mourinho could bring any calm to Scottish football, the Celtic boss replied: “Listen, I will give you no headline, I think you know the answer.”
“In this moment, no, because I have a job,” Mourinho responded when asked about his potential interest in managing Celtic or theRangers in the future.
‘Passion in football is everything’
“It’s a job that motivates me and demands loyalty. But why not in the future? People can say the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything.”
“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is not that fire of the passion does not make any sense.”
“Celtic and theRangers are two big clubs with incredible history also in Europe. I have lots of respect. They are big clubs with big fan bases, expectations. Celtic has a fantastic coach in Brendan. theRangers has Ferguson now and I am not searching for a new job.”
Conor Spence
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How the mighty have fallen.
Imagine issuing a “come get me” to a team you are about to play.
I guess the cheek and lack of self awareness would hold him in good stead at Imbrokes.
Mourinho at Celtic would polarise the fan base more than Rogers.
Anyone old enough to remember Seville would never embrace that ass clown.
Who would he choose as his assistant? Mo Johnstone?