Former Scotland striker Paul Dickov has spoken out in strong support of Brendan Rodgers’ future at Celtic, insisting the Irishman is staying put following a season of massive achievements for the Hoops.
Rodgers returned to the Celtic hot seat in 2023 in what many viewed as a controversial comeback after his mid-season departure to Leicester City in 2019. However, the Irishman has steadied the ship in style since. This season, he has led the Hoops to both the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup, with a Scottish Cup final still to come.
Dickov believes that European progress has been key to Rodgers’ renewed enthusiasm for the job, having reached the Champions League knockouts this season and coming a minute away from extra time against Bayern Munich in the knockout playoffs.
He said: (10bet), “Yeah, I think he’s there to stay. I think he came out and said that after they actually sealed the league a few weeks ago.
“People were asking him questions about his future and I think he just nailed it, saying that he’s going to be at Celtic for a long, long time.
There’s going to be interest in Brendan, he’s a top coach. But I think he loves it. The Celtic fans love him. It was difficult for him to go because it was an unpopular choice at the time after he left the first time, but he’s got them playing wonderful football.
“I think the progression that they’ve had in the Champions League has given Brendan a little bit more hope that they can compete to a certain level in there as well.”
With a domestic double already secured and the chance of a treble still alive, Rodgers has a year left on his current deal, and supporters will be desperate to see him sign a new contract over the next 12 months to firmly put himself in Celtic history by staying long-term.
The ball is now in the Celtic hierarchy’s court to provide Rodgers with the assurances he wants around signings and how they can help the club progress in the years to come. Rodgers would likely be more than willing to stay, with his ultimate goal being to make history in Europe by leading Celtic on a serious run in the Champions League.
