Brendan Rodgers has suggested he could remain in Saudi Arabia for several seasons as his strong start at Al-Qadsiah continues.
The former Celtic manager only arrived in the Saudi Pro League in December, yet his team have quickly climbed the table. A long unbeaten run has moved them into the title race, putting pressure on league leaders Al-Nassr as the season enters its final stretch.
Results have followed quickly under Rodgers. Al-Qadsiah have taken thirteen wins from his first seventeen matches in charge, with only a handful of dropped points across that run. One recent victory summed up their form. They fought back from two goals down to beat Al-Ahli, keeping their hopes of the title alive.
That success has come only a few months after Rodgers’ sudden exit from Celtic. His second spell at the club ended in October following a breakdown in his relationship with the board. Disagreements over recruitment and the direction of the squad spilled into the open during the early part of the season.
Rodgers eventually stepped away from the role, bringing an abrupt end to a period that had already delivered trophies during his return to Glasgow. The fallout with the club hierarchy dominated the discussion around his departure more than results on the pitch.
His move to Saudi Arabia appears to have given him a fresh start. The early signs suggest he has settled quickly into the environment and built a connection with his squad.
He said: (Daily Record), “It’s been a pleasure to be here in Saudi Arabia. I have loved working with the Saudi players – they are so honest and they want to learn so much.
“The club has been incredible to me. And we have so much to do in this project because I have only just arrived.
“I am curious to see how far we can go this season.
“But whatever happens and whether we win the league or not, I am planning for a strong pre-season and be even better next season and the season after that.
“We have so much to do here.”
Rodgers’ comments suggest he is already thinking beyond the current campaign. His focus on pre-season and the following year indicates he expects to remain in Saudi Arabia rather than treat the role as a short-term stop.
For now the immediate challenge is the title race. With only a small gap to the leaders, every result will shape whether Al-Qadsiah can complete a late charge toward the top of the Saudi Pro League.
The mood around Rodgers now feels far removed from the final months of his time at Celtic. In Glasgow the conversation centred on disagreements with the club hierarchy and uncertainty around the future.
The atmosphere around Rodgers now feels very different. Results are going well and the club looks settled. Rodgers himself sounds relaxed and comfortable in the job again.
