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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Brendan Rodgers urged to follow Rangers standards model in second Celtic stint

Simon Jordan reckons Brendan Rodgers must follow the European standards set by Rangers in recent seasons, as he prepares to take charge of Celtic for a second time.

The Northern Irishman was confirmed as Hoops boss last week as he replaces Ange Postecoglou as manager.

Rodgers has returned to take charge of the Hoops on the back of a campaign in which his predecessor won five of the six domestic trophies available, including a treble last season, before leaving earlier this month to become manager of Tottenham.

Rodgers admits it is rare for him to take on a new job when the team is already in such a position of strength and he feels the fact he shares similar ideas to Postecoglou about how the game should be played can help ensure a smooth transition.

Jordan is a fan of Rodgers as a manager, but he feels he must "overachieve" in Europe to be labelled a success amongst the Hoops support.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "Brendan Rodgers going back to an environment will be judged by a set of standards that he set for himself. Which means he was got to achieve what he achieved before and, ultimately, better it, for it to be viewed as a successful situation for Celtic.

"And that means, in some respects, if they can't punch above their weight, and let's be clear, above their weight in the Champions League, and they need to punch their weight in the Europa League if they drop out from the Champions League. Because a model has been set by Rangers. And that will be something the Scottish fans will be looking it and saying 'okay, if you do come out of the Champions League and find yourself in the Europa League, we expect contributions in there'.

"There is no doubt Brendan Rodgers has been a decent coach. I also think he has been quite a fortuitous coach. What would you rather have a good coach or a lucky coach? I think he picked up a decent side from Roberto Martinez at Swansea, I don't think he set the world on fire at Reading or at Watford when he was there. But he has learned his trade and went into Liverpool. He had a formidable forward line in Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling and he stole defeat from the jaws of victory. Klopp has shown you what Liverpool can become.

"He went to Celtic and rebuilt himself. He went to Leicester had two or three good seasons but the last season was very poor. I think alighting back on Celtic is a decent fit, it is about levels."

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