BRENDAN RODGERS was put on the spot for the first time today since returning to Parkhead over his controversial exit from Celtic in 2019.
The Northern Irishman is back at the Hoops for his second spell as manager following his trophy-laden stint at the club first time around.
Willie VassBrendan Rodgers spoke to the media today for the first time since returning as Celtic manager[/caption]
Willie VassPeter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson both addressed the manager’s appointment also[/caption]
He was the clear front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou who departed for Tottenham earlier this month, but fans had mixed views on Rodgers following his shock departure four years ago.
The 50-year-old left Celtic midway through the 2018/19 season to take over at Leicester after spending two-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
He won all seven trophies on offer during his first spell, including an Invincible season and back-to-back Trebles.
Rodgers was dubbed a legend at Parkhead during that time but things soon turned sour when he left in February, 2019, to join the Premier League club.
A large section of the support felt he mislead them and betrayed their trust so they turned against the boss.
The bad blood was settled amongst many when he was appointed as Postecoglou’s successor though with several giving him a warm welcome outside the stadium today.
But not everyone is ready to forgive him just yet.
Celtic ultras group, the Green Brigade, posted a picture of one of their banner protests against the manager when he left four years ago.
They uploaded the snap just minutes after his appointment was officially confirmed, highlighting their dismay at the club’s decision to bring him back.
The banner read: “You traded mediocrity for immortality – never a Celtic, always a fraud.”
Now, Rodgers has spoken to the media for the first time since returning as gaffer.
One of the big topics over his return is of course the fan fury surrounding his appointment.
And when asked to clear the air over his shock exit last time, Rodgers said: “I understand how some supporters would feel. I also know the first time I was here we did really well and I had critics.
“It was an emotional time, the club was going for 10-in-a-row and it was emotional. I never get too emotional with words but I’m hoping that I can have that impact that I had first time around.
“I think the pressure will be greater due to the success I had first time around before I left but that’s what I want. I’m here to win and I want the expectation and pressure.
“The people that I had support from and who came back, I really thank them for that and maybe those who don’t want me here, hopefully I can prove to them with the football that we play and I can shift their opinions.
“I hope I can still have that ‘a good relationship with fans’ and it’s natural when I left that it was a sad moment.
“I certainly don’t regret it but what I do regret is the hurt that it caused people. It’s the very reason I stand here today. I’m a Celtic supporter and I understood what it meant.
“I regret that I hurt people who were Celtic supporters and it was a big part of coming back.”
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