Brendan Rodgers is back at Celtic for second stint as the club’s manager and the Hoops must be commended for the ambition that they have shown with this appointment. When Ange Postecoglou left, most people felt it was going to be very difficult to bring in a replacement. But in the Northern Irishman, they have brought in someone who has enjoyed even more success in Scottish football.
In his first stint at Celtic, Rodger won seven trophies, every domestic one available to him. This included two trebles and an Invincible season as well.
Thus, there is no question about Rodgers’ quality or his ability to succeed in Glasgow. And not many would have expected to see him back in the Celtic hot seat, just over four years after he had left.
It looks like Callum McGregor played a vital role in Rodgers’ decision to return to Parkhead this summer for a second run. As reported by the Daily Record, the Northern Irishman told Celtic TV:
"“He was pivotal back then, just seeing a young player develop.“I’ve obviously seen him when I left and just seeing him continue to make that growth was really pleasing.“And I have to say he was a big part of my decision to come back as well, because I had a lunch with him for a few hours in Majorca, and just understanding the squad and where it was at and what he felt the club was at, he gave me some great feedback that the group is hungry, it’s young and ready to keep pushing forward.“And for me Callum’s an absolutely brilliant player on the pitch, his brain, his view of the game is right up there with the very, very best I’ve ever worked with.“He’s robust, he plays many games, he’s the ultimate professional, but within that he has a great humility. So I’m absolutely delighted that coming back here, he’s the club captain.”"
Celtic superstar played big role in Rodgers’ return
Rodgers’ appointment as the manager of the club might not have gone down well with the entire fanbase. Of course, the manner of his exit the last time around left a bitter taste in the mouths of many, as he left in the middle of the season with two trophies still to play for in order to take the Leicester City job.
It is time to forgive and forget though. Everybody must get behind Rodgers and the team for the best of the best of the club.
Rodgers was extremely successful the first time he was at Celtic. And we can only hope that he can repeat his heroics this time around too. The club have three domestic trophies to defend and a guaranteed spot in the Champions League group stage.