Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren has admitted he was “sad” to see Brendan Rodgers leave the club, revealing the former manager played a major role in convincing him to move to Glasgow.
The Swede, who joined Celtic from FC Nordsjælland in June, opened up on his reaction to Rodgers’ shock resignation last month, which came just a day after the Hoops’ defeat to league leaders Hearts.
Celtic currently sit second in the Premiership, seven points behind Derek McInnes’ side, but with a game in hand.
Speaking in his homeland, Nygren said Rodgers’ departure came as a blow: [RecordSport]
“I was sad that Brendan Rodgers left because I liked him and think he is a really good manager. He was a big reason why I went to Celtic. I got a really good feeling for him.
“But I have had a lot of managers in my career and I will probably have even more. I focus on what I can do and contribute what I can on the pitch.
“And the reason I believe we will turn the negativity around is because we are the best team in the country.”
Since Rodgers’ exit, Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney have taken interim charge, steadying results and restoring momentum as Celtic chase down Hearts at the top of the table.
Nygren, meanwhile, has impressed in midfield since arriving in the summer, with five goals already, and despite the managerial upheaval, insists his focus remains fully on helping the team get back to the top of the league.
The club do seem to have a top target to replace Rodgers.
Discussions with Nancy are set to ramp up in the coming days, and an appointment could come next week.
It’s a big few days ahead for Celtic’s hierarchy.
I was sad too. But I was only sad becauSe it took us far too long to get him out the door!
He was clearly the cuse of all problems at the club. In hindsight he should never have been given a second chance after stabbing everyone in the back in February 2019! Rodgers was a liar then, and hasn’t changed. Full marks in fact to Dermot Desmond for saying the things that really needed to be said. Rodgers was fine while he was claiming the club were letting him down! But as soon as he was exposed he didn’t like it much. He’s a snake.