The uncertainties surrounding Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal have led many to throw their favourites into the suggestion box as the 67-year-old’s replacement. And while some made good sense given their fresh approach to the game and a dynamic style of play, there were some that sounded frivolous.
One such example of the latter is Brendan Rodgers. The former Liverpool, Reading FC, Watford and Swansea City manager is enjoying a merry time in Scotland now, where Celtic have been the only side to compete in the Scottish Premiership for the past many years and win it monotonously, every year.
What caught our attention in his case was his blatant ignoring of the offer. Blatantly refusing the possibility in a way, Rodgers stated, “I didn’t really take any notice of that… It is nice when guys like Charlie [Nicholas], who has been down there a long time, and Ray Parlour and whoever else say things like that. I’ve got experience of working at a big club so maybe that can have an influence.”
“I went close with Liverpool with a team at the time which was eighth in the league. So, I have got experience of a big club but I am happy to be at this club now,” said Rodgers while signing a four-year deal with Celtic.
Rodgers had made a similar refusal when he was the manager of Watford back in 2009 and eventually jumped at the first chance of managing Reading. His move had severely damaged his reputation with the Watford fans back then.
The problem with Rodgers is not very different from that of Arsene Wenger. The Irishman too believes in free-flowing football with his defence pressing opponent’s attack with a high line, like Wenger; and like the Frenchman, his teams also go down to the most unexpected opponents. If Wenger is king of inconsistencies, Rodgers is the godfather.
His most successful spell has undoubtedly been with Liverpool, and a closer look will more than suffice the argument why he could never be an ideal replacement for the professor. Inheriting a decent Liverpool side, Rodgers lost the opening match 3-0 against West Bromwich Albion. The 2012-13 campaign had similar scenarios frequently with Liverpool losing out to Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round. They had finished seventh that season.
The next season is known for Liverpool’s greatest ‘slip-up’ in Premier League history. The Reds were five points clear at the top of the table with just three matches to play and then ‘that Gerrard thing’ happened against Chelsea. It was followed by a game where Liverpool gave away a three-goal lead to Crystal Palace in the last 11 minutes.
Fast forward to the next, and Liverpool were knocked out from the Champions League after drawing against Basel in the last group game; lost to penalties against Besiktas in the Europa League; lost to Aston Villa in the FA Cup semis; and they finished the season in the sixth position with a 6–1 defeat to Stoke City. He was sacked the next season.
Wenger signing a two-year extension would be a better occurrence than Rodgers coming at the helm. And while he can proudly show the Celtic stint on his CV, let’s not forget that the Bhoys had brought him by offering a one-year rolling contract to manage the strongest team in a one-horse race league.
