Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes his decision to walk out on the Hoops midway through last season has been justified by his success with Leicester City this campaign.
Celtic were on course for a treble-treble before the ex-Liverpool boss opted to make the move to the Foxes, and when asked if he regretted the way he left the Scottish champions, Rodgers replied:
“Celtic moved on and won the treble which was brilliant. Three trebles consecutively which is incredible. And I was able to come into Leicester and assess players while they were under pressure because that’s when you can really make judgements.”
“I felt it would give me those last 10 or 11 games of the season to assess what Leicester had and what needed to be done. It gave me the time to prepare for the summer so that we were ready to make a challenge at the start of this season. I think it’s worked out well for both parties.”
Supporters are still feeling pretty raw about the whole situation going by their responses on Twitter:
Surprised he isn’t taking credit for Lazio
— Brendan 7-12-1 (@Juiceboax) November 12, 2019
The ? can try to re-write history as much as he wants. The bottom line is he left mid season in a crucial run of fixtures and took virtually the whole backroom staff with him. End of.
— HappyCelticLass ⭐️??????? (@HappyCelticLass) November 12, 2019
Can’t stand the man!
— Craigy ????????????? (@EstadioCeltic67) November 12, 2019
— Punjabi Bolingoli CSC (@punjabicsc) November 12, 2019
Great domestic manager tragic European manager
— deano (@7onaed) November 12, 2019
He embarrassed himself with the way he left, but I bear him no ill will. He gave us some amazing memories. I’m glad Neil Lennon is back though, we’re playing better football now than we played at any point under Rodgers.
— DeeeJay (@DeeeJayOK) November 12, 2019
We know Brendan, you have no loyalty.
— Ned O Brien (@NedOBrien5) November 12, 2019
Why can’t we just forget about this guy.
Move on , we have a great manager in Neil Lennon now.— MF (@MFossett1) November 12, 2019
At the time we were all disappointed but Rodgers team had went flat and I think if he stayed we wouldn’t be as strong as we are today Neil Lennon has turned it around at celtic and they are exciting to watch once again @chris_sutton73
— James mckay (@JamesMckay1986) November 12, 2019
We’d never have this run in Europe if he was still at the helm.
— J (@jasonpl) November 12, 2019
With Neil Lennon having taking up the reins and picked up two trophies already, things haven’t worked out too badly for the Hoops without Rodgers.
After the club progressed to the knockout rounds of the Europa League as well with a win in Rome against Lazio, it’s arguably led to the club appointing a manager better equipped to provide success on the European stage as well.
Rodgers’ achievements domestically cannot be denied but in Europe, performances certainly left a lot to be desired.