Rodgers: We want to dominate and get Paradise rocking

Brendan Rodgers is ready to make his mark on Scottish football and progress in Europe after being unveiled as Celtic’s new manager today.

The news was confirmed last week and the 43-year-old became the 18th manager in the Hoops’ history on a 12-month rolling contract.

After being officially unveiled to Celtic fans today, over 10,000 came out to show their support for Rodgers, who will look to reciprocate that as manager of the club.

Speaking to the media today, as quoted by the BBC, he said:

Celtic’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, and for me to come up here out of the Premier League, it’s certainly not a step down.

It’s my job to get over 60,000-odd people in here again and inspire the supporters to come back and watch a game of football that excites them, that’s about scoring goals and is about winning.

Myself, my staff and players will be doing everything we possibly can to meet the challenges set for us – dominate Scotland, and to qualify for the Champions League.

Talks between Celtic’s hierarchy and potential candidates went on for several weeks as they interviewed at least six potential suitors for the vacant job, following Ronny Deila’s decision to leave the club after two years in charge.

Rodgers came within touching distance of a Premier League title in 2014 with his former club Liverpool, only to fall short in the closing games.

Under the guidance of Tommy Burns, Rodgers began his career in management after being forced into early retirement and was appointed as the head of youth development at Reading by the Celtic legend.

With the lure of potential Champions League football and trophies, several candidates put themselves in the frame to take over the reigns at Celtic this summer – but it was Rodgers who impressed the most.

Celtic’s season will begin earlier than all top European sides due to the Champions League qualifying rounds beginning in mid-July.

And the reaction from the fans and the buzz around the club at his unveiling is likely to continue throughout the summer and into those key European games later this summer.