It’s felt like we’ve been waiting months, but Brendan Rodgers will finally be officially unveiled as Celtic’s new manager on Friday.
He’ll be quizzed at 4pm on his plans for a second stint in charge of the Premiership champions after agreeing to succeed Ange Postecoglou at the start of this week. He’s getting big money - both in his own hipper and his transfer warchest, so the expectations will be through the roof, especially after winning every competition he entered during his previous two-and-a-half year spell in the Parkhead hotseat.
Such a record would normally see a boss hailed as a returning hero. But the Brodge has bridges to build after jumping ship before 10–In-A-Row was completed last time - something the Green Brigade evidently still aren’t over. The rest of the Celtic support seem to be split between seeing the sense but remaining a bit annoyed with him, to delighted Postecoglou has been replaced with a manager even more successful than he was.
But what can we expect from his first press conference? There will have to be a charm offensive to start getting those disgruntled punters back onside, although winning games and trophies will see those grumbles silenced in the mid to long term.
How he plans to go about that will be interesting. Angeball worked because the Aussie tailored his team to a specific style and wasn't for tinkering. He had full control of the football department and Rodgers will, as he did before, enjoy a similar level of influence. But it’s unlikely he’ll simply try and replicate the old boss’ methods. His own CV and perhaps a touch of ego won’t allow that, and in his defence, neither should he.
This time seven years ago, Rodgers was facing a similar media introduction, except with a clean slate. But what can his very first Celtic press conference tell us ahead of his second, first Celtic press conference?
Tears of joy
"It’s a bit surreal. It all happened very quickly. For a team I have supported all my life, to be sat here as manager is a very humbling experience and I’m very privileged to be here. I’ve been brought up with Celtic all my life. My uncles, cousins and brother are big supporters and still come to the games. I’m fairly steeped in Celtic tradition and proud to be named as manager.
It has been very emotional. I had brothers and uncles crying, as for them was something they hoped they could see."
First of all, this one didn’t happen all that quickly. It's been on the cards for at least the last two weeks. And while his family are no doubt happy to see him back, such levels of emotion probably didn’t greet the second coming.
Other opportunities
“I left a really special club at Liverpool. I wanted to have a good rest, to come away from the game for a bit and hopefully go into another big football club.
"I had opportunities to stick down south in the Premier League or go abroad, but after Peter Lawwell called me once Ronny's announcement (had been made), out of respect, I spoke to him and when I met, they sold the club to me."
When Rodgers left Anfield, his stock remained relatively high in England. He had gone close to finally winning the Premier League before the wheels came off a bit, but he was still highly regarded and top flight jobs were very much open to him.
After Leicester’s relegation, not so much. Leeds United were thought to be keen but by that time, Dermot Desmond had made his move and it was too late. Besides, a drop to the Championship probably wasn't something Rodgers was ready for. Whether he’ll be quite so keen to share the potential alternatives to Celtic this time is doubtful, especially given the manner of his departure.
Mission objectives
"The objective is very clear, it is to continue with the domination of Scotland and also make an impact on European football."
This won’t have changed. If anything, the second part of that mission statement is even more important this time around.
Rodgers was stubbornly insisting he wouldn;t be changing his style in Europe ong before Postecoglou did the same. Except Rodgers did alter things slightly when heavy defeats were threatening to become the norm.
Postecoglou’s side weren’t blown away. But two points from their six games was a disappointing return as they slipped out of the competition without much fanfare. Rodgers will be backed significantly and will be expected to deliver a return on the continental stage. Not making it out of the group stage won’t be a failure, but Celtic will at least expect to drop into the Europa League as a consolation, and go deep given rangers’ exploits last year.
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