Sport Nation 2Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been advised to prioritize European success with the Scottish champions rather than entertain a potential return to the Premier League. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson shared his thoughts on the matter during the Football Insider Inside Track podcast, emphasizing that Rodgers should focus on progressing in the UEFA Champions League rather than being swayed by links to jobs such as Everton.
Rodgers, 51, is no stranger to Premier League speculation, especially given his past managerial achievements with Liverpool and Leicester City. His name frequently comes up when top-tier English clubs are in search of new leadership. However, Robinson believes Rodgers’ next step should be focused on establishing European success for Celtic, particularly in the Champions League, a milestone the Northern Irishman has yet to achieve during his time at the club.
The Challenge of European Success
Since returning to Celtic for a second spell, Rodgers has faced high expectations to lead the club to greater European success. Despite dominating Scottish football, including securing multiple domestic trophies, Rodgers has struggled in Europe’s elite competition. In his previous attempts, Celtic have fallen short of advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions League. This season presents a fresh opportunity, but the road has already been difficult.
Celtic suffered a major blow in their quest for European progression when they were handed a heavy 7-1 defeat by Borussia Dortmund. The result was a significant setback, but Celtic remains in contention for qualification to the next round of the Champions League. They currently sit 20th in the newly formatted league phase, with a crucial away fixture against Atalanta on the horizon.
Rodgers is well aware that his legacy at Celtic will be influenced not just by domestic success but by his ability to lead the club deep into European competitions. While Celtic’s Scottish Premier League performances are always important, especially with their historic rivalry with Rangers, the Champions League represents the ultimate challenge. According to Robinson, this is where Rodgers’ tenure at Celtic will ultimately be judged.
Focus on the Champions League
For Rodgers, navigating through the remainder of the Champions League group phase will be key. Upcoming home ties against Belgian side Club Brugge and Swiss team Young Boys could be pivotal. Securing victories in these matches could greatly enhance Celtic’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages for the first time under Rodgers’ guidance.
Paul Robinson points out that the heavy defeat to Dortmund might serve as a reality check for the club, especially after the optimism generated by a strong opening day win. Nevertheless, Rodgers has the opportunity to demonstrate that Celtic can compete with Europe’s best and that his second stint at the club can lead to more than just domestic success.
Premier League Links and Everton Interest
Despite the ongoing European campaign, Rodgers continues to be linked with potential managerial vacancies in the Premier League. His name has been mentioned in connection with Everton, a club currently in search of stability after a series of disappointing seasons. Everton’s struggles, coupled with Rodgers’ experience and reputation, have made him an attractive candidate for the role.
However, Robinson insists that Rodgers should remain focused on his current role at Celtic. Returning to the Premier League, while enticing, might not provide the same opportunities for success that Celtic offers in terms of competing in Europe and winning trophies. The allure of the Premier League is strong, especially for a manager who has previously worked at top clubs like Liverpool and Leicester, but Robinson believes Rodgers’ priority should be finishing what he started at Celtic.
“Brendan Rodgers is always going to be linked to jobs back in the Premier League because of what he’s done there before and what he’s achieved with Celtic already in his second time,” Robinson said. He acknowledges that Rodgers has made a significant impact since returning to the Glasgow club but emphasizes that his next major challenge is European progression.
A Key Moment in Rodgers’ Career
Rodgers’ decision on whether to stay at Celtic or pursue a return to the Premier League will likely have significant implications for his managerial career. Should he succeed in leading Celtic beyond the group stages of the Champions League, it would mark a major achievement and reinforce his status as one of the top managers in British football. Failing to progress in Europe, on the other hand, might encourage Rodgers to seek a new challenge elsewhere, potentially in the Premier League.
Celtic fans will undoubtedly hope that Rodgers remains committed to the club and continues to build on his success. The team’s recent European struggles, particularly the loss to Dortmund, have highlighted the gaps that need to be addressed, but Rodgers has shown throughout his career that he is capable of adapting and improving his teams.
As Celtic prepare for their crucial Champions League fixtures, Rodgers will need to focus on tactics, player management, and ensuring his squad is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. The prospect of facing Atalanta away from home is daunting, but a positive result could reignite Celtic’s European campaign and bolster Rodgers’ reputation.
Conclusion
Brendan Rodgers’ future at Celtic will be determined by how well he manages the club’s European ambitions. While links to the Premier League, including Everton, will continue to surface, Rodgers has a unique opportunity to achieve something special at Celtic by advancing in the Champions League. The upcoming fixtures against Atalanta, Club Brugge, and Young Boys will be critical in determining Celtic’s European fate and Rodgers’ legacy at the club.
Paul Robinson’s advice for Rodgers to focus on European success rather than returning to the Premier League highlights the importance of this phase in Rodgers’ career. Celtic’s domestic dominance is undisputed, but European progression remains the ultimate goal for both the manager and the club. If Rodgers can navigate the challenges ahead, his decision to stay at Celtic could be vindicated with a deeper run in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Sport nation
Amina Umar