BRENDAN RODGERS gave a broad smile when he was asked once again about his commitment to Leicester.
Because he knows his move south of the border from Celtic could hardly be going better at the moment.
Brendan Rodgers insists he is happy at Leicester despite flirting with the idea of moving to ArsenalCredit: Getty Images
Being linked with Tottenham and now Arsenal means Rodgers is back when it comes to Premier League recognition.
And he seems happy to flirt with the suggestion he might leave, even if he insists there is no reason for him to.
When asked if the message to Arsenal is he would not be interested in the job if they came calling, he replied: “Yeah, the message is clear.”
As he spoke ahead of tomorrow’s game with Watford, it was easy to lose count of how many times Rodgers said he was happy at Leicester.
While he insists a buyout clause in his contract does not leave the door open, it is ajar by about a millimetre.
Taking the Foxes into second spot is a double-edged sword.
It means that he is likely to be mentioned every time one of the ‘bigger’ clubs is looking for a new man to take charge.
But Rodgers says it would not be ‘logical’ to move right now.
He said: “I’ll probably get asked again until they appoint someone, but it’s very simple – I’m very happy here.
“I made a choice nine months ago to come here for a purpose.
“That was very clear in that I wanted to help this club move forward out of where it was when I came in, and looking to lead it forward with a group I feel has huge potential. Why would I want to move from that?
“OK, I moved after nearly three years at Celtic and people may look at me thinking: ‘Right, because a club like Arsenal, with the great institution and size, and all of that’.
“But it’s all about happiness and I couldn’t be happier here.
“And I think logic would tell you – and I know that sometimes in your world it’s not always logical this gossip and speculation – but why would I want to leave Leicester City at this moment in time?
“People may look at me thinking: ‘Right, because a club like Arsenal, with the great institution and size, and all of that’… but it’s all about happiness
“My contract is until 2022 and the club haven’t said they want to release me from that. Take from that what you want.
“I gave an honest answer, which was based around probably most managers having something in their contracts, and, by all accounts, that opened the door for something.
“There’s a lot for us to grow and develop over these next few seasons. We’re moving to a new training facility.”
Rodgers is clearly relishing working with one of the most talented squads in the country.
He maintains there is a ‘calm’ behind the scenes despite suggestions he could leave for the Emirates Stadium.
And while some bosses might become irritated about being constantly asked about their future, he knows it comes with the territory when you are building a successful team.
He added: “I think the club are pretty happy with how we’re working. So I’ve no need to look elsewhere.
“I respect there will always be this speculation around jobs, and there’s probably a number of other managers… but for me, I repeat, I’m happy here and have great relations with all the people, and I feel I want to continue with that.
“It’s a combination of professional and personal. I love coming into my work every day, working with the people here.
“And when you come in with that excitement and knowing the potential we have here to really grow and develop, that brings me happiness. I love the area, it’s a wonderful place to live, so when you have that combination why would I want to give that up?
“Leicester was everything. I knew leaving Celtic was going to be tough, the relationships I forged there with the people, we were one club. I took it as far as I could, we created the most unbelievable memories that will be with me for a lifetime.
“Celtic have continued to win which is great. I came into an exceptional opportunity and hopefully in my time here can prove it was the right move.
“I might get the sack here! You can never forecast, you can never be complacent.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
