Latest reports from the Mirror (26 November, page 55) is confirming that Brendan Rodgers is among a list of possible candidates Southampton are looking towards for the managerial role after a dismal start to their season under Mark Hughes. Apart from Rodgers, former Borussia Dortmund manager Peter Bosz is also said to be in the reckoning for this job if Hughes gets the axe.
Rodgers’ last few months at Liverpool were ones to forget, and he was shown the door from the club without achieving any titles. However, his greatest achievement at the Merseyside would be when he brought the Reds perilously close to the Premier League glory. His move to Glasgow has been brilliant so far, and the Hoops have steamrolled past their opponents in the previous two seasons. They might have a bigger challenge on hand this season, but they are still up to pace to wrap up all the domestic honours.
This is not the first time that Rodgers has been linked with a job down south as not too long ago when Aston Villa’s job was available, the former Swansea City manager emerged as one of the prime contenders. But nothing came out of that and Rodgers had gone on to say,”I’m the Celtic manager and I love it and have lots of challenges here.”
There are no signs yet which would indicate Rodgers being unhappy or unsatisfied with something at the club and for Southampton to bring him to St.Mary’s, they might have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to lure him.
Form Rodgers’ point of view as well, leaving Celtic mid-season to join a team struggling to stay in the Premier League doesn’t make much sense. It is likely that at some point in time, Rodgers would go to England to manage an English top-flight club but now is certainly not the right time as joining the Saints would do more harm to his reputation than good.
If Rodgers is looking for a challenge, then he has one on his hand this season as the gap between Rangers and the Bhoys have seemingly closed. Celtic have been dominating their domestic circuit for quite a few seasons and even before the former Liverpool manager arrived. But what has made him stand out is the identity which he has brought to the team and the brand of football they play.
Reports from the Mirror also say that Southampton are willing to learn from last season’s mistake where they backed Mauricio Pellegrino for far too long. Therefore, they are looking for a change much sooner this campaign. However, we don’t think that their saviour would be Rodgers as he currently seems to be in a good place at Celtic Park.
