Brendan Rodgers hopes that in time the Celtic supporters that are unhappy about his return to Parkhead will let bygones be bygone and forget all about his acrimonious departure in 2019.
The Northern Irishman was announced as Ange Postecoglou’s successor earlier this week and although the news has been greeted in a largely positive manner, some fans have not welcomed the appointment.
Rodgers became a reviled figure in Glasgow’s east end when he decided to up sticks and join Leicester City with ultras group the Green Brigade brandishing a banner that read, ‘You traded immortality for mediocrity, always a Celt, never a fraud’
The fans’ group shared a photograph of the banner on social media when Rodgers was officially confirmed earlier this week, and the Celtic manager accepts that he has work to do to change the minds of those supporters who feel betrayed over the manner of his exit during his first stint in Scotland.
“Hopefully in time I can give you feeling I gave you the first time,” Rodgers replied when asked what he would say to those fans who are unhappy with his appointment.
“I don't expect anything. If I get the support then that's great. For those who doubt, I've had it all my career and continue to work hard, hopefully producing a team that plays with commitment.”
When asked about the fans’ reaction to his departure in 2019, Rodgers insisted he has no regrets over his decision to join Leicester but did regret causing pain to loyal Celtic supporters.
“I would understand how fans would feel,” he explained. “Even when I was doing well I would have had critics. But it was an emotional time, the club was going for 10-in-a-row.
“I never get too emotional with words. The pressure is greater because of what we did first time around but I relish that.
“Hopefully I can prove that to those who don't want me here and shift their opinion. I hope I can still have that relationship with the fanbase.
“It was a sad moment when I left. I don't regret it but I regret the hurt it caused people. I understood what it meant.
“That was my regret - that I hurt people who were Celtic supporters.”
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