Celtic not a step back for Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers insists joining Celtic is not a step down and he is proud to have been appointed manager of the club he supports.

The Northern Irishman was named Ronny Deila’s replacement on Friday although after previously coaching in the Premier League he has been accused in some quarters of going backwards.

For the fifth successive season, the Bhoys cruised to the domestic title but having failed to make an impact in Europe in recent years, so one of Rodgers’ first jobs will be to guide the team through the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

Deila’s inability to impress on the continental stage led to criticism of his methods and his replacement accepts it is one of his main targets.

Rodgers grew up supporting Celtic and, when presented on Monday, was met by thousands of fans at Parkhead.

Although he has been accused of taking a step back, the 43-year-old believes he has secured one of the premier jobs in world football and says he feels extremely lucky to have been given the chance to coach the club he loves.

“Celtic’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, and for me to come up here out of the Premier League, it’s certainly not a step down,” he said. “It’s an institution in its own right.

“I’ve been a Celtic supporter all my life. I’ve been very lucky to have been given an opportunity to step out the stands and manage the team.

“Myself, my staff and players will be doing everything we possibly can to meet the challenges set for us – dominate Scotland, and to qualify for the Champions League.”