Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers

Next Arsenal manager: Brendan Rodgers cools talk of replacing Arsene Wenger


Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has played down talk of him replacing Arsene Wenger as new Arsenal manager this summer.

Former Liverpool manager Rodgers is among the leading contenders to take the helm at the Emirates after Wenger revealed he will leave at the end of his 22nd season this summer.

But the Northern Irishman says he is happy on and off the field in Glasgow.

Former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has come in for support of late after being backed for the job but Rodgers is till fancied by many as the man for the job at the Emirates.

He told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme: "There's nothing really in it. I have always said I'm extremely happy here. I have three years left on my contract. I am loving every minute of being at Celtic from a professional perspective but also my life up here.

"I have a number of years left as a manager. I am 45, I probably look a lot older but, 45, and I'm enjoying my position here. It's a huge privilege for me to manage Celtic. It's a huge club with pressure and that's all I concentrate on.


Next Arsenal manager betting

  • 3/1 - Luis Enrique
  • 4/1 - Brendan Rodgers
  • 5/1 - Carlo Ancelotti
  • 6/1 - Patrick Vieira
  • 7/1 - Joachim Loew

"Arsenal is a fantastic club, very much similar to Celtic in terms of the traditions and values it has as a club, you can't deny that.

"It's a fantastic club but, for me, my only focus is on Celtic and doing the very best I can for them."

The likes of Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus and former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti have also been linked to the post.

Patrick Vieira, the former Arsenal captain now managing New York City, has also been mentioned, but he played it cool when asked by radio station WNYE.

"I spent nine years at Arsenal which makes the club really special for me," he said.

"But that is not enough to coach the team. I am always flattered to hear my name linked. That is good for your ego, but at the same time, I am happy here."

More reaction to Arsene Wenger leaving Arsenal

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