Brendan Rodgers handed extra motivation to succeed at Celtic

If any more motivation was needed by Brendan Rodgers to be successful on his now confirmed return to Celtic then it has been presented to him already. It seems that some are viewing his previous spell in Glasgow as a failure. That will be those two-and-a-half seasons where he managed the Hoops to two league titles and five cup trophies. The period that included two trebles and the invincible season.

Neil Lennon went on to manage the side after Rodgers’ exit and completed a third consecutive treble that season. That’s some failure.

If that level of winning trophies is achieved again by Rodgers, then Celtic fans would be very happy. And by comparison to that trophy haul, you would have to wonder how some would rank Steven Gerrard’s one trophy in nine attempts on the other side of Glasgow.

According to rumours, one of Rodgers’ targets for his return as Celtic manager related to bringing success on the European stage. He is believed to have a 5-year plan and wants the club’s backing and commitment in terms of investment in players and the infrastructure.

Rodgers handed extra motivation to succeed at Celtic

A report from the Daily Mail goes on to read:

"Let’s face it. Rodgers failed first time around at Celtic. If his second spin round the block is to be based around a five-year plan with the ultimate aim of reaching a European final, all available evidence suggests he will fail again."

Certainly Rodgers didn’t have a great time with Celtic in Europe previously but with the problems of signing players in the summer while trying to build a squad and go through critical European qualifying matches, it wasn’t the best of scenarios. After qualifications there were some bright spots like the three drawn games against Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach and a 3-0 away win at Anderlecht. Or reaching the knockout stage in the Europa League.

Particularly low points included being defeated by Valencia. And being taken apart by Barcelona and PSG in the Champions League.

It’s as big a step up, if not greater, for the Hoops to achieve on the Champions League stage given the finances available to the top teams there as it is for the other teams in Scotland against Celtic and the Rangers. But as has been shown in the past, there can be a good chance of progressing beyond the group stages of the Europa League.

With a decent draw and a settled squad, getting beyond the group stages in the Champions League might not be a pipe dream either. Rodgers should have the enormous benefit this time around of being able to prepare more thoroughly, with a spot guaranteed.