Western Daily Press (Saturday)
I understand why Celtic fans are angry – Rodgers
NEW Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers insists he understands why Celtic fans are so angry with his exit.
The 46-year-old joined the Foxes on a three-and-a-half-year contract on Tuesday after walking out of Parkhead, replacing Claude Puel.
A banner was unveiled during Celtic’s 2-1 win at Hearts in midweek calling Rodgers a fraud, saying he had swapped immortality for mediocrity with the Foxes.
A video shared online also showed supporters chanting abuse at their former manager.
“I’ve seen what’s been said, but Celtic supporters will hurt. I understand how they feel,” said Rodgers, who signed a deal until 2022.
“They are hurting and maybe a little worried in terms of what might happen with me leaving.
“Words, you always have to be careful with. I’ve seen the banner, the Celtic supporters are hurting. They gave me everything, so I’m not going to say anything else than that.
“It was a shock and they are probably angry, but eventually reality will set in and the work we did will be appreciated. But what gave me the comfort to move is what we put in place there was going to stabilise the club going forward.
“I knew, coming away, the improvements made will hopefully allow that success to continue. It may be a little unfair on Leicester, I haven’t swapped coming into a mediocre club.
“It’s recent history has been incredible, they have that ambition to push higher than where we are.”
Rodgers’ impact has already been welcomed by the Leicester squad, with the 46-year-old lifting the mood at the training ground.
It is understood the players have been receptive to his changes, including giving them a monthly training schedule, instead of the weekly plan under Puel. Rodgers takes control with Leicester tenth in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow’s trip to former club Watford.
“The expectancy is to challenge for a European place and challenge for a trophy,” he said. “What Leicester achieved was incredible, one of the most incredible sporting stories. That will be difficult to repeat.
“After a couple of years of instability and sitting mid-table, their objective is to move up. I don’t want to put any pressure on the players. We just have to do our very best.
“For the remainder of the season we will look to do that.”
Rodgers is also keen to help vicechairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha after his father and Leicester owner Vichai died, along with four others, in a helicopter crash at the stadium in October.
“I feel I can help him on his journey,” Rodgers added.