“Well, I’ve heard he’s taking my job,” Rodgers laughs off Mourinho remarks

The Celtic Star

·8 mars 2025

“Well, I’ve heard he’s taking my job,” Rodgers laughs off Mourinho remarks

Brendan Rodgers humorously remarked that he has heard Jose Mourinho is set to replace him as Celtic manager, following the Fenerbahce boss’ openness to a potential managerial role in Scotland…

Jose Mourinho of Fenerbahce during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Speaking before Fenerbahce’s shock 3-1 Europa League defeat to theRangers in Istanbul, the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid manager admitted that he might consider taking charge of Celtic or the Ibrox club in the future.

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Mourinho praised ‘fantastic coach’ Rodgers

Also, Mourinho praised Brendan Rodgers as a ‘fantastic coach’ and emphasised that he isn’t currently seeking a new job, though he didn’t rule out a future move to Glasgow.

During Friday’s media conference ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Cup quarter-final clash against Hibernian, Rodgers was asked for his thoughts on the possibility of Mourinho managing in Scotland one day.

Laughing, Rodgers responded: “Well, I’ve heard he’s taking my job! He’s a great man. You guys would love him up here, plenty headlines for you, instead of the boring Irish man that is sat here. He’s good value, Jose and a top manager.”

When questioned whether Mourinho could bring any calm to Scottish football, the Celtic boss replied: “Listen, I will give you no headline, I think you know the answer.”

“In this moment, no, because I have a job,” Mourinho responded when asked about his potential interest in managing Celtic or theRangers in the future.

‘Passion in football is everything’

“It’s a job that motivates me and demands loyalty. But why not in the future? People can say the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything.”

Bobo Balde of Celtic is sent off by referee Lubos Michel during the UEFA Cup Final match between Celtic and FC Porto held on May 21, 2003 at the Estadio Olimpico in Seville, Spain. FC Porto won the match and trophy 3-2 after extra-time. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is not that fire of the passion does not make any sense.”

“Celtic and theRangers are two big clubs with incredible history also in Europe. I have lots of respect. They are big clubs with big fan bases, expectations. Celtic has a fantastic coach in Brendan. theRangers has Ferguson now and I am not searching for a new job.”

Conor Spence