Eurovision by Brendan Rodgers! Former Leicester manager delivers plan to Celtic bosses in hopes he can re-establish Scottish champions as a competitive force in Europe
Brendan Rodgers has sold Celtic a plan to restore the Scottish champions as a competitive force in Europe.
The Northern Irishman is on the cusp of a stunning return to Parkhead as manager, four years after leaving for Leicester City.
Mail Sport broke the news of CEO Michael Nicholson and CFO Chris McKay flying a private jet to Mallorca on Saturday for face-to-face talks with the club’s number 1 management.
In addition to those talks, Rodgers has also had a number of in-depth discussions with major shareholder Dermot Desmond to work out his terms for a second stint in Glasgow.
Key to the 50-year-old’s agreement to a return is a commitment from Celtic’s board of directors that they will invest in the players and infrastructure needed to take the club forward in Europe.
Ex-Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers could be about to return to Celtic football club
Rodgers, who previously won seven titles during his spell as Celtic boss, has outlined a plan to their bosses to establish Celtic as a dominant force in Europe
Celtic have yet to fill the head coaching position left by outgoing manager Ange Postecoglou
Frustrated by the glass ceiling on transfer spending during his first stint as leader, Rodgers wants to see the football operation reshaped and is now speaking to potential members of his backroom team.
Attempts to persuade assistant manager John Kennedy to stay in Glasgow are underway.
Ange Postecoglou, who left Celtic to sign a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur, wants No. 2 Parkhead to join him in north London. Kennedy is currently considering his options.
After leaving Leicester in April, Rodgers had planned to take time out but has since received several offers to return soon.
Recently relegated from the Premier League, Leeds United were eager to open negotiations, with other clubs also interested.
A return to Celtic, where he won each of the seven trophies available to him from 2016, appeals more to him.
Rodgers is also motivated by a desire to mend his relationship with the supporters who turned against him after his sudden departure four years ago.
Celtic were crowned Scottish champions this season, winning by seven points over rivals Rangers
Rodgers’ Leicester team were relegated this season after a poor season that saw them drop down the standings
Rodgers was sacked by Leicester in April and could now return to management
Reluctant to put all their eggs in one basket, Celtic have considered a range of candidates and have spoken to some via Zoom.
Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen is mentioned in messages after talks with Ajax failed. Enzo Maresca, one of Pep Guardiola’s trusted assistants at Manchester City, will speak to the newly crowned European champion this week about his future.
The 43-year-old has reportedly already spoken to Leicester about their vacancy and his preference is to continue working in English football.
Former Norwich manager Daniel Farke and little-known Italian Francesco Farioli have also spoken to Celtic.