Pat Bonner’s take on Brendan Rodgers’ contract situation

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The Celtic Star

·18 giugno 2025

Pat Bonner’s take on Brendan Rodgers’ contract situation

Despite questions surrounding his long-term future, Brendan Rodgers is expected to remain committed to maintaining Celtic’s dominance in Scotland while also pushing for success in Europe insists Pat Bonner…

Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 14 May 2025. Brendan Rodgers. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

As he approaches the final year of his contract, the Celtic manager is scheduled for summer discussions with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

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However, Celtic hero Bonner firmly believes the Irishman will stay fully focused on holding off theRangers and making an impact in the Champions League, undeterred by any off-field distractions or contract talk.

Speaking at the Refugee World Cup media conference Bonner said: “Brendan is an elite manager. His future doesn’t get in the way for him. He’s really focused on getting in the players he wants and preparing for that initial first game in Europe.

“And if he gets over that hurdle, gets the right players in, he’ll be a happy, happy man. Has theRangers re-energised him? I hope so. I’ve always said that Celtic need competition. Last year was slightly different from a European context in that they did so well in the Champions League. I think the league format helped them. It was really good and I think we were all excited about that and the way that it was different,” the Irishman said.

READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Graphically Enhanced Review of Season 2024/25

“Now they have to build on that. But I think when you’re in this league and you’re trying to perform in Europe and you’re trying to improve the team, you do need other people to challenge you and the players can learn from that. So there are no issues around that. I think he’ll enjoy that, actually, if it happens.”

Bonner continued: “I’m just happy that he’s there at this point in time because he’s building the squad. It’s not a big build, maybe two out, two or three in. Get up and get over this first qualification for Champions League again and then build on what they did last year and carry it on.”

Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic, celebrates with players next to the Premier Sports Cup following the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and St Mirren FC at Celtic Park on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Listen, last year was a fantastic year for them. Take away the Scottish Cup final, which was disappointing, they won a Double and they did so well in Europe. You wouldn’t even think about anything.”

Rodgers has made it clear he intends to see out his current contract and has also left the door open to a possible extension. But, Bonner has urged Celtic supporters to simply appreciate having their manager at the helm for the time being.

The former Celtic goalkeeper said: “The most important thing for Brendan is that he’s still here and he made it very clear last year when that discussion happened that he was here and he was going to be here. That’s important. That’s important for continuity and so on and so forth. But there will be a time when he leaves – just like everybody else.”

“That’s when the board and everybody else has got to do their homework long before maybe that situation occurs. But at this moment in time, I think the club, the board, the fans, the majority of them at this stage I would think, are very happy that he’s there and he’s guiding the ship and he’s in charge.

“I’m just happy he’s here. You’re at a stage in this world where things happen. This is a strange world. It’s not like the old days where you have somebody there for maybe four, five, six years, ten years, in some cases longer. But now it’s about turning around the people. So as long as he’s here and he says he’s totally committed for next year.”

Incidentally don’t miss Sandman’s superb season review that was published late last night on The Celtic Star. Best thing you’ll read on the internet today!

Conor Spence

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INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr. Order a signed copy now in our summer sale and save £5. Shop at Celticstarbooks.com/shop