Scott Brown is not surprised to see Brendan Rodgers’ name linked with the Aston Villa vacancy – but the Celtic skipper is amazed there have not been more clubs interested in his double-treble winning boss.
The Northern Irishman was heavily linked with the Villa Park post over the weekend following Steve Bruce’s sacking.
But, while Rodgers played down the rumours, the bookmakers continue to offer prices on the Hoops manager making the move to the Midlands.
Dean Smith, Rui Faria, Bruno Lage and former Chelsea and Villa defender John Terry appear to be the leading contenders, but Rodgers was still being backed at 16/1 on Wednesday afternoon.
And having led his club to six-straight domestic trophies, Brown can see why.
What he cannot understand, however, is why his manager has not been the subject of more enquires given the remarkable achievements he has racked up in Glasgow.
The Parkhead captain said: “The gaffer is always going to get job offers because he is a top-quality manager.
“What he has done in Scotland since coming up here has been exceptional.
“With the way we’ve been playing over the last two seasons, it’s amazing there have not been a lot more offers.
“It’s not just what he’s done at Celtic, it’s what he did at Liverpool as well and everybody knows he’s a great manager with the way he deals with players, the media and the club as well.”
But Brown – who has been reborn under the former Anfield manager – is keeping his fingers crossed that Celtic can fend off the suitors who might seek to lure Rodgers back south.
“He loves this club and it’s been great for him,” he insisted. “He wants to be here and has had a great two and a half years. Here’s hoping he can stay here for a little bit longer too.
“He’s been fantastic for me. I’ve learned a lot from him, whether it’s training or how he deals with players day to day.
“I just hope he stays so I can keep learning a little bit more.”
The Hoops have not sparkled quite as brightly this term as they did in Rodgers’ first two years but they were back to their devastating best on Sunday as St Johnstone were ripped apart during a 6-0 slaughter.
It was a clear reminder that the seven-in-a-row champions remain the team to topple in the wake of Steven Gerrard’s claims that his Rangers side had blown the title race wide open with their victory over table-topping Hearts.
Brown sat out that Perth demolition as he recovers from a hamstring strain but warned those who have been eager to predict the downfall of his side that their slump is over.
“That result was exceptional,” he said. “Over the 90 minutes we were back to that pressing style, James Forrest was outrageous with four goals in 30 minutes.
“We’ve had two great seasons and there have been no downs whatsoever. There is always going to be a little slump then we’ll get back into it.
“That’s happened and now we focus on winning games and getting back to our best.
“There is always a title race. There was a title race last year, there was one the year before so there will be a title race this year.
“We’ve not started maybe as well but Hearts and Hibs have. We’re having to play catch-up but it’s a long, long season.
“We had a great result at the weekend and it’s about kicking on from now.”
