“He’s a wonderful man, he’s a top coach,” Italian striker praises former Celtic manager | OneFootball

Al-Qadsiah forward Mateo Retegui has praised former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, describing him as a “wonderful man” ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off clash with Northern Ireland…

The Argentine-born striker has been playing under Rodgers since the ex-Hoops boss made the switch to Saudi Arabia in December.

Brendan Rodgers, new manager at Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. Photo Al Qadsiah FC

Since Rodgers’ arrival, the 53-year-old has enjoyed a stunning start to life in the Saudi Pro League, remaining unbeaten and guiding Al-Qadsiah into fourth place in the league table.

Speaking via BBC Sport, Retegui – who played against Celtic in the Champions League last season for Atalanta in Bergamo – said: “I’ve only got good things to say about him. Ever since Brendan came to the club, I don’t think we’ve lost a game; we’ve won 14 and drawn three. I speak a great deal with him, and I have a wonderful rapport with Brendan.”

“He’s wished me the best of luck, but we speak about other things. He’s a wonderful man, he’s a top coach, and he’s already proven that at all of the clubs he’s worked for in the past.”

“I have a great rapport with Brendan Rodgers, and when I go back, we’ll have another chat.”

Meanwhile, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has admitted he was “disgusted” by his old club’s 2-0 defeat to Dundee United last weekend.

The 66-year-old was in Glasgow with Jim Craig and Peter Grant to support a campaign calling for the legendary Craig to be honoured with a statue in his native Govan.

Reflecting on the defeat at Tannadice, McAvennie made no attempt to hide his frustration at the manner of the performance, as Martin O’Neill’s side slipped to their eighth league loss of the campaign.

“If Celtic are going to lose the title, they can’t lose it like they did last week,” McAvennie told STV.

“I was disgusted by the way the players just rolled over and got their bellies rubbed. It was terrible. I know the pitch was terrible, but both teams had to play on it. That’s the worst I’ve seen it at Tannadice, which is normally quite good.”

Conor Spence

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