‘They Could Do Celtic a Favour’ – Chris Sutton’s Surprise Rangers Prediction
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has discussed Brendan Rodgers’ future at the Hoops, with the Irishman confirming that he will manage Celtic until at least the end of next season. However, Sutton believes that one key factor could persuade Rodgers to stay beyond that — in an interesting yet controversial point from the Englishman.
With some looking to plant seeds of doubt around Rodgers’ future at Celtic, he responded defiantly post-match on Saturday, answering those questions head-on. However, the point remains — supporters will want clarity in the coming months on whether Rodgers plans to stay beyond next season.
Sutton has suggested that potential new ownership at Rangers could actually convince Rodgers to remain at Celtic longer term — if serious investment at Ibrox reignites the kind of rivalry that Rodgers thrives on.
With Celtic travelling to Ibrox on Sunday, the Hoops will be determined to end any questions over their ability to step up against Rangers, having lost the last two Glasgow Derbies.
Sutton said: (RecordSport), “My question is: How far would the satisfaction of that task and challenge take a manager like Rodgers without any weekend-to-weekend edge?
“The 49ers might do Rangers a favour with their money.
“But I reckon they could potentially do Celtic an even bigger one in terms of their manager.”
Only Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic hierarchy know what the plan is beyond next season, but it’s certainly reaching the point where talks — or at least discussions about talks — over a contract extension for the Irishman will have taken place.
Rodgers has proven himself. While some of his early tactical approaches didn’t get off to the best start — with Celtic trailing Rangers at times last season — over the past year, the Irishman has gone from being doubted by some to being undeniably praised and respected.
Celtic have gone up a gear — plain and simple — after a decade of underperforming in Europe. To being just seconds away from penalties at the Allianz in the Champions League knockout play-offs, Rodgers has already achieved what he came back to do.
But to truly show his brilliance, he’ll want more. That’s what makes the upcoming summer transfer window and next season so exciting after what’s already been a remarkable campaign.
Questions will remain over whether Rodgers will want to stay long-term, but in the meantime, he has delighted the Celtic support. With the chance to add to that on Sunday at Ibrox in the final Glasgow derby of the season, he will be hoping to have the last laugh, as he so often does.
