Brendan Rodgers to West Ham: Shock at Celtic exit link as Lopetegui faces sack
Celtic cannot let Brendan Rodgers leave to replace Julen Lopetegui if he is sacked at West Ham, insists Alan Brazil.
The talkSPORT host reacted with shock at the suggestion after receiving a late-night text message regarding the link, with the Spaniard in trouble at the London Stadium this term and
Rodgers previously left Parkhead mid-season to join Leicester City in 2019, which created huge controversy among the Hoops fans, but after mending past rifts he returned to the managerial role at in the summer of 2023, succeeding Ange Postecoglou.
The Northern Irishman has Celtic flying at the top of the Scottish Premiership. In addition to securing a spot in the League Cup final against Rangers, the current league title holders are well-positioned to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Former Bhoys striker Brazil said live on talkSPORT on 21 November: “Someone sent me a text last night saying Brendan for West Ham… What? Brendan Rodgers? He can’t leave, not with how Celtic are playing.
“I don’t know if it’s just my mate winding me up because he is a Celtic fan or he’s heard something.”
Gabby Agbonlahor replied: “Not with how Celtic are playing in the Champions League. They have a chance of reaching the play-offs so he’s going nowhere.
“I don’t think they’ll sack Lopetegui yet though. I think they’ll give him more time.”
He later added: “Well they wanted David Moyes out didn’t they? Now you have got someone else, be careful what you ask for.”
Celtic boss linked to West Ham job as Julen Lopetegui struggles
Football Insider Opinion
The former Liverpool manager’s return to the Glasgow side has been a breath of fresh air, with the Hoops performing admirably both domestically and in Europe. In 12 league games, they’ve secured 10 wins and two draws, scoring an impressive 36 goals and conceding just five.
Rodgers’ Celtic are thriving due to his meticulous tactical approach, especially in high-stakes European matches. His focus on possession-based football, high pressing, and dynamic transitions has made Celtic a formidable side, not just in Scotland but now in Europe.
This tactical setup has seen Celtic play competitive football against some of the continent’s top teams, often causing upsets and holding their own in tough groups. A standout moment this season was their 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, a result that further cemented their status as a genuine threat in European football.
Meanwhile, West Ham is enduring a difficult season under new manager Lopetegui. Sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, they have struggled with consistency, a far cry from their previous European success.
The club’s struggles this season highlight just how valuable Rodgers is to Celtic, and they would certainly not want to risk losing him to a club in need of a manager who can turn things around.
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