Brendan Rodgers has delivered a clear response regarding his contract at Celtic after being questioned on the subject during his pre-Hearts press conference.
The Irishman made his return north of the border on an initial three-year deal and immediately proved his worth last term, bringing home a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
Carrying on his sterling work, Brendan Rodgers has Celtic in fine fettle this campaign. His side sit at the top of the league table alongside being primed for a tilt at Champions League knockout football if they can maintain current momentum.
While acquisitions during his second tenure have helped to improve the quality of his squad, asset retention has also been pivotal in forming the foundations for further success.
That entered full view today, with Alistair Johnston signing a Celtic contract extension until the summer of 2029. With his players on board for the long term, how does Rodgers see his future at the club given his deal will run out in 2026?
Brendan Rodgers addresses his Celtic contract situation
Speaking in his press conference before the Bhoys face Hearts tomorrow evening, Rodgers re-affirmed his happiness at Celtic and hinted that although no concrete discussions over a new deal have taken place, it may become a priority at some point next season. He also vowed to stay for his pencilled in three years.
He explained: “What did I say on my first day here? Three years unless I get bumped early! Listen, I said I’d be here for three years. At the end of three years, I’ll have done nearly six years as Celtic manager which is a long time for a Celtic manager. I haven’t really thought about it.
For near on a year, there was probably more people that wanted me out than in so I’m not going to be talking about new contracts now! I just need to continue to work well, do my very best for the club and I’m pretty sure at some point next season we can see how we’re going and take it from there.
“But at the minute, I love my life here, it’s amazing club to work in. Funny enough, going away and coming back has made it even better for me because I knew what I missed when I was away. I’m not in a big rush to be leaving again. It’s a great place to be, I love working with the players.
They say in life, the biggest currency you have is time. As you get to 51 and older, you realise that. Time around people you love, your family, your workplace. And I would have to agree with that. Where I am at the minute, I’m at a brilliant place so we’ll just keep it that way.”
Brendan Rodgers looks in no hurry to depart Celtic
While supporters know what Rodgers has here isn’t worth trading in, there will be neutrals that believe he could look to eventually take the plunge again south of the border.
However, how many of those options would be able to offer what Celtic can to a manager? Making history in Europe and continuing to provide a steady stream of regular silverware sound way more appealing that positional mediocrity and little job security if you look at the realities.
Now more than ever, Rodgers appears to deeply appreciate the special position he is in at Parkhead. Hopefully, that can continue and contract extension discussions can open somewhere down the line.
