With Julen Lopetegui under mounting pressure at West Ham United, calls for a managerial change have intensified.
The Hammers, currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League with just three wins from 11 matches, face a critical clash away to Newcastle this evening.
Speculation over Lopetegui’s future has led to rumours linking West Ham with a move for Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers, who previously managed Liverpool and Leicester City, has been touted as a potential successor to Lopetegui.
However, the 51-year-old Northern Irishman has poured cold water on those links, insisting he remains fully committed to his role at Celtic. Speaking to 67 Hail Hail, Rodgers reaffirmed his intention to stay at the Glasgow club.
“What did I say on my first day here? Three years unless I get bumped early!” Rodgers remarked.
“Listen, I said I’d be here for three years. At the end of three years, I’ll have done nearly six years as a Celtic manager, which is a long time for a Celtic manager. I haven’t really thought about it.”
Rodgers, who controversially left Celtic mid-season in 2019 to join Leicester City, was quick to dismiss any notion of history repeating itself.
“For near on a year, there were probably more people that wanted me out than in, so I’m not going to be talking about new contracts now! I just need to continue to work well, do my very best for the club, and I’m pretty sure at some point next season we can see how we’re going and take it from there.
“At the minute, I love my life here. It’s an amazing club to work in. Funny enough, going away and coming back has made it even better for me because I knew what I missed when I was away. I’m not in a big rush to be leaving again. It’s a great place to be, and I love working with the players.”
Rodgers also reflected on his personal priorities as he approaches the latter stages of his managerial career.
“They say in life, the biggest currency you have is time. As you get to 51 and older, you realise that. Time around people you love, your family, your workplace. And I would have to agree with that. Where I am at the minute, I’m at a brilliant place, so we’ll just keep it that way.”
Rodgers’ commitment will be welcomed by Celtic fans, as their team currently sits atop the Scottish Premiership, three points clear of Aberdeen, with Rodgers once again proving his managerial credentials.
