Brendan Rodgers Thriving in His Celtic Return
Brendan Rodgers is currently enjoying a highly successful second stint as Celtic manager.
With two trophies already secured and a potential ninth domestic treble on the horizon, the Hoops are thriving both on and off the pitch. Celtic claimed the League Cup by defeating Rangers in December’s Hampden final, while their financial standing remains strong after posting impressive profits last week.
When asked how he has changed as a manager since his first tenure at Celtic, Rodgers’ response offered insight into why he left the club for Leicester City in 2019.
Rodgers Admits His Initial Ambitions Were ‘Unrealistic’
Speaking to Amazon Prime Sports (17 February), Rodgers reflected on his approach during his first Celtic spell:
“I’d say I’m a bit more relaxed now—in the best possible way.
“When I first arrived, my ambition for Celtic may have been a little unrealistic in hindsight.
“I now have a clearer understanding of the club’s financial standing and how to maximize our resources.
“Coming back the second time has felt great. Every morning, I drive up here, and it still feels special.
“By the end of my contract next year, I’ll have been here nearly six years, which is a long time, but I feel refreshed. That’s largely down to the players and the fantastic staff around me.”
Looking Back at Rodgers’ Exit in 2019
Back in February 2019, Rodgers left Celtic for Leicester City after the club parted ways with Claude Puel.
Speaking to the Daily Record at the time, Rodgers was clear that his decision was linked to his ambitions for Celtic’s progression:
“If the club didn’t match my ambition? My job would be done. Terminado. Gone.
“The challenge is to push yourself to the limit and for the club to be courageous.
“I loved my time at Celtic, but we had won a double treble, gone invincible, and set a British unbeaten record. The next step was improving in Europe, and that required quality signings.
“You can’t afford to get comfortable in football—progress stops the moment that happens.”
Now, it appears Rodgers looks back with some regret, acknowledging that his expectations for the club may have been premature at the time.
With Celtic now in a strong financial position and heavily backing him in the transfer market, Rodgers seems to understand that real progress required fiscal stability first.
Comparing Celtic’s current position to where they stood in 2019, the difference is stark, and Rodgers now finds himself leading a club that is far better equipped for long-term success.
