Brendan Rodgers

At 51 years old, Brendan Rodgers has this physical status:

Brendan Rodgers (born 26 January 1973) is a Northern Irish football coach and former player who is also the boss of Leicester City's Premier League side. Rodgers began his career as a defender for Ballymena United, where he stayed until he was signed by Reading at the age of 18, but he had to leave at age 20 due to a genetic knee injury.

He played for several years at Reading as both a coach and then academy director, and then moved to play non-league football at Newport, Witney Town, and Newbury Town.

He was invited by José Mourinho to leave Reading and join Chelsea as youth boss in 2004, later being promoted to reserve manager in 2006. He was appointed as the head of Watford's hometown, where he remained until he accepted a bid to become the boss of Reading, his former club.

After some poor results six months later, he left the club by mutual consent.

He returned to leadership with Swansea City in 2010, the first Welsh team to do so, before leading them to finish 11th in the following season.

Rodgers accepted a bid to become Liverpool's next manager, who progressed to runners-up status in the league in 2012-2014 before being fired in October 2015.

He took Celtic to an undefeated domestic season in his first year as well as trebles in both of his first two seasons.

In February 2019, he left Celtic for Leicester City.

Early life

Rodgers was born in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, in the seaside village of Carnlough. Malachy's father was a painter and decorator, while his mother Christina worked with the Irish charity Trócaire. Rodgers is the eldest of five boys in the world. Malachy's younger brother, who grew up in the United States, is now pursuing a career in Nashville, Tennessee. He began as a supporter of Sheffield Wednesday and Celtic.

Rodgers was born a Catholic. He attended St John's Catholic Primary School in Carnlough and then moved to St Patrick's College in Ballymena, where he stayed until the age of 16. He died of cancer at the age of 53 in 2010 and in September 2011, Rodgers was by his father's side when he died of cancer at the age of 59.

Personal life

In the summer of 2014, Rodgers separated from his wife, Susan; the couple divorced in December 2015. They have two children, Anton, the son of Anton, also a footballer, and Mischa, their daughter. Rodgers first fell in love with Charlotte Searle in February 2016, and they married in June 2017. He is a Celtic fan from boyhood. The robbers broke into his Glasgow home on March 6, taking family items and medals from his Celtic victory.

Rodgers joined a group representing the Football League in June 2011 to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, both his mother and father, who died of cancer in 2011. He received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Ulster in June 2014.

Rodgers is a native speaker of Spain and Italian. After the comic strip character Buck Rogers, his nickname is "Buck Rodgers."

After suffering symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rodgers said that he and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 in March the same year, and that they recovered quickly. As he scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, Rodgers related to the altitude's breathing difficulties. The couple suffered with smell, taste, and strength for three weeks before being tested positive.

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Playing career

Rodgers played for Northern Ireland as a youth, most notably against Brazil in 1988. He began his career as a defender for Ballymena United, his hometown team, in 1987. He was signed by Reading, where he had been in the reserves three years ago, at the age of 18. Due to a genetic knee injury, his professional playing career was cut off when he was 20 years old. Rodgers spent many years in non-league football for Newport (IOW), Witney Town, and Newbury Town, while still serving as a youth coach at Reading. To help his teenage children, he found work at John Lewis.

Coaching career

Rodgers spent a considerable amount of time in Spain researching various coaching techniques, and was eventually encouraged by manager José Mourinho to re-liven the academy director at Reading and join Chelsea Academy as their head youth coach in 2004, following Mourinho's recommendation. Rodgers was promoted to reserve team manager two years ago and was retained in that role by new Chelsea boss Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Managerial career

Rodgers left Chelsea on November 24 to become the boss of Watford in the Championship. Rodgers played only two of his first ten league games as boss, leaving Watford in the relegation zone by January. Watford's form had drastically improved, but Rodgers was able to guide them to finish 13th in the final, avoiding relegation.

Following Steve Coppell's departure as Reading's manager, Rodgers became the front-runner to replace him and return to his old club just weeks after promising Watford's survival. He initially distanced himself from reports relating him to his work, saying that his "concentration (is) entirely on Watford." However, he eventually agreed to a deal to become Reading's new manager on June 5, 2009, after a compensation package worth an initial £500,000 was agreed to, which later increased to £1 million. Rodgers' image had been "severely marred" in the supporters' eyes as a result of the transfer, according to the Watford Supporters' Trust, but the supporters had still "thanked (Rodgers) for his efforts last season" and "wished) him well for the future." Rodgers defeated Burton Albion 5–1 in the first round of the League Cup on August 11th for his first victory as Reading manager. Despite a good start to the season, a string of failures followed, and Rodgers left Reading by mutual consent on December 16th, just over six months after he arrived, with Reading being ranked one spot above relegation in the Championship.

On July 16, 2010, Rodgers accepted an invitation to become the manager of Swansea City in the Championship zone. He had been invited to join Manchester City's coaching staff under new manager Roberto Mancini prior to his appointment. Swansea's first three games were highly acclaimed, with Rodgers named Month Manager of the Month for February 2011, after Swansea defeated five out of the six league games played that month, while keeping four clean sheets. Rodgers had comfortably secured Swansea City's promotion to the Premier League by 25 April 2011, beating Ipswich Town 4–1.

After defeating Nottingham Forest underdogs in the semi-finals on May 16, 2011, Rodgers led Swansea to the 2011 Championship Play-Off final. In the final at Wembley Stadium on May 30, 2011, when Swansea defeated 4–2 thanks in part to a hat trick from Scott Sinclair, the first Welsh team to be promoted to the Premier League. The media and supporters lauded Rodgers for consoling Reading manager Brian McDermott and owner John Madejski before being praised for the award.

Rodgers' first victory as a Premier League boss came on September 17th, 2011, when Swansea defeated West Bromwich Albion 3–0 at the Liberty Stadium. Despite many people's predictions that Swansea were expected to be relegated early this season, they were nevertheless very strong against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, keeping them well above the relegation zone. Swansea defeated Arsenal 3–2 at home and Chelsea to a 1–1 draw in January 2012. Rodgers received his first Premier League Manager of the Month award this month. Rodgers agreed to a new three-and-a-half year deal in February to keep him at the club until July 2015.

Following Kenny Dalglish's departure two weeks earlier, Rodgers was announced as the new Liverpool manager on a three-year contract on June 1st. Former colleague and Real Madrid boss José Mourinho promoted Rodgers' appointment straight away. Rodgers wrote an open letter to the Swansea City supporters in July 2012, thanking both the workers and supporters for his time with the club and wishing them well for the future. Rodgers attended his first training session at Melwood as the squad returned to pre-season training.

Rodgers won his first competitive game as Liverpool manager, defeating Belarusian club Gomel 1–0 on August 2nd, and his first home game in charge in the second leg was a week later. Liverpool lost 3–0 against West Brom at The Hawthorns in his first league game as boss on August 18th. Liverpool defeated Norwich City 5–2, his first victory in the league. In the fourth round of the League Cup, Rodgers welcomed his old club Swansea to Anfield, losing 3–1. Liverpool defeated Udinese 1–0 away in the Europa League on Sunday, lifting the group champions to the round of 32.

Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round on January 27, 2013, defeating Oldham Athletic 3–2 in the League Cup. In his first season as manager, Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League, one position above the previous season.

Liverpool won their first three league games of the season for the first time in 2013-2014. Rodgers was named Premier League Manager of the Month for August 2013. After a 2–1 loss to Manchester City in December 2013, he was fined £8,000 for making remarks about referee Lee Mason. Liverpool won all five of their games this month to jump to the top of the Premier League for the second time this season, for the second time this season.

Liverpool won by 11-straight goals, leaving them five points clear at the top of the Premier League with only three games remaining. However, they did lose by a 2–0 home loss to Chelsea on April 27th. This victory gave Manchester City a leg up on Manchester City in the title match. Liverpool led 3–0 with 11 minutes to go in their next game away to Crystal Palace on 5 May, but the game ended 3–3. Liverpool finished the season as Premier League runners-up, two points behind champions Manchester City.

Liverpool scored 101 league goals in the season's first season since the 1895-96 season and third-highest in Premier League history. Rodgers was named LMA Manager of the Year earlier this month, becoming the first Liverpool manager to win the award in its 20-year history. Rodgers signed a new four-year deal at Liverpool on May 26, 2014.

Liverpool was barred from the 2014-2015 UEFA Champions League after drawing against Basel in their final group match, eventually advancing to the Europa League. After losing 4–5 on penalties to Turkish side Beşiktaş, the Reds were subsequently disqualified in the Europa League round of 32. Liverpool was beaten by Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final on April 19, 2015. Liverpool beat Stoke 6–1 in the Premier League, finishing sixth in the Premier League for the season. After three seasons as boss, Rodgers became the first Liverpool manager since the 1950s not to win a trophy. Despite this, Rodgers had the support of Liverpool's owners.

Liverpool defeated Everton in a 1–1 draw on October 4, 2015, the 225th Merseyside derby for the first time since the game ended. This was their fifth game in Liverpool's previous six games that they had taken a 1–0 lead but then had the game come to a 1–1 draw, despite having only one victory in their previous nine games. Rodgers was dismissed just one hour before the game, leaving Liverpool in tenth place after eight matches played. It was later revealed that the decision to dismiss him had been made well before the match against Everton. "I am obviously sad to be leaving... [but] it has been both an honor and a privilege to lead one of the game's finest clubs." Rodgers released a statement via the League Managers Association the following day.

James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Divock Origi, and Mario Balotelli were among Liverpool's signings.

Following Ronny Deila's retirement, Rodgers was appointed manager of Celtic, a Scottish Premiership champions, on a 12-month rolling contract. On his arrival in Glasgow, Rodgers expressed admiration for late Tommy Burns, the former Celtic player and boss who was in charge of Reading when Rodgers took over.

Celtic defeated Gibraltar's Lincoln Red Imps 1–0 in the first leg of the 2016–17 Champions League on July 12, in his first competitive game under new ownership. "There is evident indignation," he said of the surprise result. There is no shame in embarrassment. Celtic Park beat Celtic Park 3–0, overcoming their one-goal deficit. Celtic qualified for the 2016–17 Champions League group stage for the first time in three years, after a 5–4 aggregate victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva on August 23. Rodgers lost 7–0 at Camp Nou, the first game of the group stage, and ended Celtic's worst result in European competition.

Celtic defeated Aberdeen 3–0 in the Scottish League Cup final on Friday, Rodgers claimed his first trophy as a manager. Celtic also won their 100th major trophy.

Rodgers became the first Celtic manager to win his first three games against Rangers on December 31, 2016. In the 2016-17 Scottish Premiership table, Celtic went 19 points clear, with a game in hand. Celtic defeated them by 58 points from a potential 60, extending their undefeated streak in domestic football to 24 games.

Celtic beat Hearts 5–0 on Sunday to win the club's sixth straight league title in a row, with eight games to spare. Rodgers has signed a new four-year deal with Celtic five days later.

Celtic's undefeated domestic run continued, they lost Rangers to their first defeat at Ibrox since 1915, defeating their opponents 5–1 on 29 April. Celtic defeated Hearts 2–0 on May 21st, finishing 30 points ahead of second-placed Aberdeen in the league with a record 106 points, and the team became the first Scottish side to win a top-flight season since 1899. Celtic defeated Aberdeen 2–1 on May 27th for the fourth time in their history, and ended the 2016–17 season unbeaten in all domestic competitions.

Celtic defeated St Johnstone 4–0 on November 4, 2017, under Rodgers' guidance. Celtic had been undefeated for their last 63 domestic games as a result of their victory. In addition, they beat the 100-year British record for consecutive domestic games undefeated, which was also won by Willie Maley's Celtic team's Celtic team, which was established in 1917 at 62. Celtic beat Motherwell 2–0 in the 2017 Scottish League Cup Final on Friday, Rodgers won his fourth trophy in a row as a boss. Rodgers became the first manager in the club's history to win his first four domestic titles and extend the unbeaten domestic record to 65 games. After 69 games, culminating in a 4–0 loss to Hearts, this undefeated run came to an end.

Rodgers won his second and Celtic's seventh straight league title on April 29th with a 5–0 victory over Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday. Celtic's undefeated streak against Rangers also extended their undefeated run against Rangers to 12 games. Rodgers won the first "Double Treble" (a treble in two seasons) in Scottish football history, defeating Motherwell 2–0 in the Scottish Cup Final on 19 May 2018.

Rodgers said he turned down a Chinese club proposal during the summer of 2018. "With China it's huge money, but I've found happiness here." He told BBC Scotland: "I've heard happiness here." Celtic earned second place in second place from the group stage of the UEFA Europa League after failing to qualify for the Champions League. On aggregate, they were knocked out by Valencia in the round of 32, 3–0. Celtic defeated the Scottish League Cup in December 2018, Rodgers' seventh straight trophy with the club. Rodgers left Celtic departed Celtic and joined Leicester City in February 2019, with Celtic leading the Premiership by eight points.

Following the dismissal of Claude Puel, Rodgers was appointed as the Leicester City manager in February 2019. Rodgers' first game in charge of the Foxes was on March 3rd, 2019. The Hornets lost 2–1 after Andre Gray scored in a 92nd minute. Leicester defeated Fulham 3–1 in Rodgers' home debut, his second game in charge. Jamie Vardy, a striker, scored his 100th goal for the club in the match.

Rodgers signed a long-term contract extension on December 6, 2019, keeping him at the club until 2025. His team had won 7 games in a row and finished second in the table after 15 Premier League games. Rodgers guided Leicester to fifth position and therefore qualifying for the UEFA Europa League group stage in his first full season.

Rodgers was the first manager whose team scored 5 goals against a Pep Guardiola-managed team, beginning the 2020-21 season strong, defeating Manchester City 5–2 away from home on September 27, 2020. Leicester won the Europa League group with Braga, AEK Athens, and Zorya Luhansk, but Slavia Prague disqualified them after a 0–0 away draw in Czech Republic and a 0–2 home loss.

After beating Chelsea 1–0 in the final on May 15, 2021, he led Leicester City to their first FA Cup title in their history. Leicester, Chelsea, and Liverpool all fought for the remaining UEFA Champions League positions at the end of the season. Despite being in third place for the bulk of the season, Leicester dropped to 5th place after Liverpool's 3–0 loss to Burnley, leaving Leicester and Liverpool tied on points, and Chelsea up to third by a single point. Despite Chelsea's 1–2 loss to Aston Villa, giving them a chance to finish in fourth place, Leicester couldn't recover after losing a 2–1 lead until Kasper Schmeichel's own goal in the 76th minute, as well as Gareth Bale's brace. Leicester also finished fifth in Europa League qualifying for the fifth time.

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