Celtic have reappointed Brendan Rodgers as manager on a three-year contract.
The 50-year-old won seven trophies in his first spell at Glasgow, including back-to-back domestic trebles, but left for Leicester City midway through the 2018/19 season – much to the frustration of many Celtic fans.
Sky Sports News understands that Rodgers’ contract exceeds his previous contract with Celtic, making him once again the highest paid manager in the club’s history.
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Celtic fans discuss whether they would be happy for Brendan Rodgers to return to the club
The Celtic board will back Rodgers in the transfer market to help him achieve domestic success and compete in the Champions League, Sky Sports News has been said.
He replaces Ange Postecoglou who won back-to-back league titles and a domestic treble last season before joining Tottenham Hotspur.
John Kennedy will remain at Celtic as assistant manager – despite links to join Postecoglou at Spurs – with Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell as first-team coaches.
“Celtic return is a very simple decision”
Brendan Rodgers won back-to-back domestic trebles at Celtic
Rodgers – who had also been linked with the Leeds United job despite intending to take a long break away from the dugout – said: “I’m really delighted to be returning to Celtic and I’m hugely excited about this great opportunity.
“When I had the privilege of being invited to rejoin the club, it was a very simple decision for me and my family.
“We’ve had a great time at Celtic before and that will be my focus again, to deliver good football, to make sure we have a team that we all love to watch and ultimately to bring more success to our fans.
“Ange has done a brilliant job over the past two years and I will do everything I can to keep Celtic’s momentum going as we face all of our domestic and European challenges.
“We have a hugely impressive and talented group of players and staff at the club, and I’m really looking forward to meeting them all and then getting to work.
“I wanted John to be with me as we move forward. He is a very talented coach, someone I know well and respect and he will be very important to me and our players.
Rodgers will be assisted by John Kennedy after the pair worked together on their first stint
“The club is in fantastic condition across the board and I want to thank the board for trusting me to take the team forward. We will work closely together as we strive to bring this success to life. to our supporters.
“Let’s get to work!”
Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “We are delighted to welcome Brendan as our new manager. He is a real quality and experienced football manager with an established track record of success.
“The managerial role at Celtic is attractive and highly sought after, and in the process we have considered many potential candidates. In appointing Brendan, we are confident that we have identified the best candidate for Celtic.
“Having spoken to Brendan and discussed the club’s strategy and goals with him, I can see the passion he has for moving the club forward in a positive way and building on what we have achieved.
“We look forward to working together to ensure the growth and success of Celtic and our supporters.”
Peter Lawwell, Celtic chairman, said: “During the process of identifying Celtic’s new manager, it was clear that Brendan was the outstanding choice and we are absolutely delighted to have appointed him on a long-term contract.
“We wanted a proven winner and that’s what Brendan is, and myself and everyone else at the club look forward to working with him again to keep Celtic going.
“He’s someone who knows the club so well and has experience of Celtic’s enormous challenges, both domestically and at European level. Brendan is well aware of what it takes to succeed in this role and we know that he is delighted to be back with us.
“Brendan is a top quality manager. He has delivered for Celtic before and we are sure that with his many qualities he will do so again.”
What is Celtic’s schedule?
Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory completed a domestic treble last season
The Celtic players will return for pre-season training at the club’s base in Lennoxtown before flying to Japan on tour in July.
Former Postecoglou club Yokohama F Marinos will be their first opponent on July 19, followed by a game against Gamba Osaka on July 22.
Rodgers’ side next travel to South Korea where they will face Wolves at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on July 26.
The club’s first competitive game under Rodgers comes on the weekend of August 5/6 as Celtic launch their defense of the Scottish Premiership title ahead of the start of the Champions League group stage on September 19/20 .
What awaits Rodgers in Glasgow?
Kyogo Furuhashi scored 34 goals in all competitions last season
When Celtic last unveiled a new manager, the club were in turmoil after losing the league to Rangers by 25 points and had several players out of contract.
As Rodgers comes to replace Postecoglou, he inherits a healthy squad with an opportunity to take them to the next level.
The Australian made some shrewd signings that impressed as Celtic dominated, winning five trophies in two seasons.
Fans will certainly be worried about Postecoglou returning to try and bring some of these players to Tottenham, but if he does, Celtic may demand a hefty fee which could then be plowed back into the squad as they prepare. for another crack in the Champions League. .
Kyōgo Furuhashi was one of Postecoglou’s first signings after looking to the Japanese market and the striker seems destined for a top club.
The 28-year-old finished last season as the Premiership’s top scorer and with just two years left on his current contract, it wouldn’t be surprising if his former boss tried to tempt him to north London.
Players love Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda And Cameron Carter Vickers are under contract until 2026 and Jota’s the deal runs until 2027 so it could be harder to walk away from the club.
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