'Landmark moment' - Al Qadsiah appoint former Liverpool, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers | OneFootball

Al Qadsiah have appointed Brendan Rodgers as their new manager.

The Al Khobar club, currently fifth in the Roshn Saudi League, confirmed the appointment on Tuesday. The former Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City head coach replaces in the dugout Real Madrid great Michel.

In a statement, Al Qadsiah Chief Executive Officer James Bisgrove, said: “Following a rigorous global recruitment process, we’re delighted to welcome Brendan to Al Khobar as our new Head Coach.

“This is a landmark moment for the club. The calibre of his experience and track record of winning reflects our ambition and long-term vision to establish Al Qadsiah as one of Asia’s leading clubs.”

Born in Northern Ireland, Rodgers arrives in the RSL with a wealth of experience at some of world football’s most established clubs.

His time with Celtic remains his most successful, with Rodgers guiding the Glasgow giants to 11 major trophies across two stints in Scotland. The haul included four Scottish top-flight titles.

Rodgers, 52, also led Leicester City to a historic first FA Cup, in 2021, and two superb fifth-placed finishes in the English Premier League. Prior to that, he was in charge of Liverpool for three years from 2012, overseeing the team’s runner-up finish in the 2013-14 Premier League.

Rodgers first match at Al Qadsiah will be the Matchweek 11 clash at home to Damac on December 27.

Carlos Anton, Al Qadsiah’s Sporting Director, said of the appointment: “We’re thrilled to welcome Brendan to Al Qadsiah Club and believe his elite coaching credentials and playing philosophy are an excellent fit with our football strategy.

“Brendan inherits a highly talented and committed squad that is hungry for success, and I’m confident he will drive the next stage of the club’s development.

“He will work in close alignment with our performance, medical, recruitment and analysis departments to help elevate the club to the next level.”