BRENDAN RODGERS has put himself forward to be the next Arsenal manager – as he broke his silence on speculation linking him with replacing Arsene Wenger.
Celtic boss Rodgers is one of the main candidates on the list of potential new bosses at the Emirates, if the club decide to ditch Wenger at the end of the season.
The former Liverpool manager was asked about the rumours linking him a move to North London as he prepared his side for their Scottish Cup quarter-final against Greenock Morton today.
And instead of playing down the story, Rodgers effectively advertised his services by saying his past successes make him the ideal man for the job.
Rodgers, 45, said: “People will look at it and see that I went to Liverpool, they were struggling for five seasons for Champions League football and I was able to get them back.
“And when I came to Celtic, they hadn’t been in the Champions League for three seasons and I got them back.
“So maybe people are thinking – OK, Arsenal have been out of the Champions League and is that maybe the equation for someone like myself.
“I’m loving my life up here. I’m not going to be here forever, but I’m living in a dream.
“And dreams always come to an end at some point, that’s for sure.”
NEIL ASHTON Arsenal should announce Wenger’s exit and give him ten-game salute he deserves
Rodgers, Germany boss Joachim Low, Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry are among the names understood to be on the list being considered by Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
Owner Stan Kroenke will have the ultimate say on whether Wenger sees out the final year of his contract, but Gazidis is carrying increasing influence at the Emirates.
Most read in football
Rodgers added: “What you have to be prepared for when you manage the big clubs is there is maybe going to be between five and ten people linked with your job, you know that.
“It doesn’t happen in too many other industries.
“We live a privileged life, we get to manage and work with great players and great people.
“But with the big clubs comes big scrutiny and probably when my results drop off here a bit I’m sure there will be names linked – but you have to accept that as part of the job.
“Arsene will know that, he’s got great experience, he’s a really good man.
“He’s done wonders for British football and it’s just unfortunate for a little period now that the focus has really been on him, but that’s new football I’m afraid.”
Leave a comment