Footballing legend and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has praised Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for guiding the Hoops into the knockout stages of the Champions League. Lineker, a former Leicester City star and lifelong fan, reflected on Rodgers’ managerial abilities during a discussion on The Rest Is Football podcast.
He didn’t shy away from criticising sections of the Leicester fanbase who were vocal in their desire to see the Northern Irishman leave the King Power Stadium.
Rodgers, who previously managed Leicester to an FA Cup triumph in 2021, returned to Celtic this summer following a turbulent period in England, where a lack of backing and a declining squad eventually led to his exit. Reflecting on Leicester’s struggles this season, with the Foxes now fighting relegation under Ruud van Nistelrooy, Lineker had some pointed words.
Speaking on the podcast, Lineker said: “A brilliant result for Brendan Rodgers and a reminder to all those Leicester fans that wanted to get him out. We had a top-class manager then. Be careful what you wish for.”
The timing of Lineker’s remarks is significant, as Rodgers’ second stint at Celtic continues to gain momentum. The manager has not only continued the domestic dominance but has now made strides in Europe, steering Celtic beyond the Champions League group stages for the first time in over a decade. Their win against Young boys confirmed their place, but it was big results against RB Leipzig, Atalanta away and Slovan Bratislava that really did the damage,
Leicester, meanwhile, are struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table, and Van Nistelrooy’s side look ill-equipped to turn things around. Rodgers’ time at Leicester may have ended in frustration, but his success with Celtic shows his managerial pedigree.
While Lineker’s criticism of Leicester fans may sting, there’s no doubt Rodgers is enjoying his renaissance in Glasgow, with Celtic fans relishing the opportunity to see their club competing among Europe’s elite.
