Key Highlights
- Brendan Rodgers is close to agreeing with Al Qadsiah to become their new head coach.
- The 52-year-old Northern Irishman has been out of work since resigning as Celtic manager in October.
- Al Qadsiah are scheduled to move into a new stadium next season and wanted to make an appointment before the January transfer window.
- Rodgers’ experience with Swansea City, Leicester City, Liverpool, and Celtic made him the preferred candidate.
New Head Coach for Al Qadsiah: Brendan Rodgers
Al Qadsiah, a Saudi Pro League side, are on the verge of securing the services of former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers as their new head coach. The 52-year-old Northern Irishman, who has been out of work since his resignation from Celtic in October, is currently traveling to Saudi Arabia as part of finalizing the deal.
Rodgers’ extensive managerial experience, including spells at Swansea City, Leicester City, and Liverpool, along with his success at Celtic, where he won three Scottish titles, three Scottish Cups, and a League Cup, positions him as the ideal candidate. His departure from Celtic was marked by a 11th-place finish in the Premier League followed by a close but unsuccessful bid for a title in Manchester City’s championship season.
Al Qadsiah’s Search for a New Manager
The club, owned by Aramco, the majority state-owned national oil company of Saudi Arabia, has been actively searching for a new manager following the sacking of Michel Gonzalez on Sunday. With plans to move into their new stadium next season, Al Qadsiah aimed to appoint Rodgers before the January transfer window to ensure a smooth transition and immediate impact.
Al Qadsiah’s CEO James Bisgrove and sporting director Carlos Anton were involved in vetting several candidates from across Europe, reflecting the club’s ambition to align with high standards of European football management. The process underscores Al Qadsiah’s commitment to professionalization and improvement within the Saudi Pro League.
Impact on Scottish Premiership
Rodgers’ departure from Celtic has been a significant development in the Scottish Premiership, where his record as one of the most successful managers in recent years will be sorely missed. In five seasons at Celtic, Rodgers won three league titles, three domestic cups, and a League Cup with a win rate of 75.5%, the highest in club history.
Despite missing out on two major titles by narrow margins, Rodgers’ impact on Scottish football was undeniable. His style of play and philosophy have left a lasting legacy at Parkhead, making his move to Al Qadsiah an intriguing pivot for both clubs and fans alike.
The appointment of Rodgers to Al Qadsiah could signal a new era for the club, bringing with it the experience and tactical acumen that has defined his career. As he embarks on this new venture, the focus will be on whether he can replicate his success in Saudi Arabia as he did in Glasgow.
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