Brendan Rodgers has his eye on a major personal milestone, and it’s not lifting another trophy or managing at a massive club.
Instead, the Celtic boss has set his sights on joining one of football’s most exclusive clubs: managers who’ve taken charge of 1,000 games.
The Hoops gaffer, who is set to lead Celtic out for the 810th time in his managerial career this weekend against Dundee, revealed that the ambition was sparked right at the start of his coaching journey. [BBC]
“Reach 1,000 games. That was where it all started. When I became manager at Watford, I went to a great event that the LMA [League Managers’ Association] do.
“On the stage that night was guys that were being inducted into the 1,000 club. I remember sitting there thinking ‘wow, to have done 1,000 games’.
“I was maybe on only 20-odd games. I thought to be able to do 1,000 games is a symbol of resilience and perseverance and people actually liking what you do. I’m on 800-odd games now so still have quite a few more to go, but that would be the one career thing to be able to do.”
Rodgers has already racked up 200 wins as Celtic manager across both of his spells, which now total nearly six years at the club – a rare feat in modern football management.
If he’ll surpass six years as Celtic boss remains to be seen.
There are a lot of rumours surrounding his future at Celtic, and he may well be off at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
Only he knows what his plans are in the future, as much as we’d like to know, he probably won’t reveal.
As he prepares to take charge of yet another crucial game for the Scottish champions, Rodgers’ eyes remain firmly fixed on the long-term and on a legacy built not just on trophies, but on longevity, consistency and respect.
