Brendan Rodgers has spoken for the first time since being sacked by Leicester City.
The former Celtic boss was axed by the Foxes on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace the previous day saw them drop into the English Premier League relegation zone. In a bid to beat the drop, the Leicester board decided a change at the top was necessary and Rodgers was dismissed four years after taking the reins at the King Power Stadium.
He led them into Europe after finishing fifth in the league at the end of his first full season in the hotseat. The Northern Irishman followed that up by winning the FA Cup in 2021 and finishing fifth once again. Leicester dropped out of the Europa League and into the Europa Conference League, where they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Rodgers’ former boss at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, who became the first ever manager to lift the trophy.
This season proved a struggle for Rodgers, losing seven of his first ten league matches. A perceived lack of financial backing on the transfer market meant big names weren’t replaced and the East Midlands club didn’t get anywhere near the heights reached during previous campaigns.
Now Rodgers, who has been linked with the vacant post at Tottenham and with a return to Stamford Bridge following Graham Potter’s sacking, is looking ahead to the next challenge after making “history” with Leicester.
A statement released via the League manager’s Association said: "I would like to thank the Leicester City Chairman Mr Srivaddhanaprabha and all of the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Leicester City and make history with this great football club over the past four years. We forged a special relationship and I will always have the utmost respect and affection for them.
"The players, my staff and I gave it our all every single day and I will always be proud of what we were able to achieve together. Winning against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in 2021, to deliver a first FA Cup for the club and its supporters, together with securing European qualification in consecutive seasons are moments I will never forget.
"Everything we achieved was with the superb support of the Leicester City fans and I thank them for that. It has been a privilege to be your manager.
"My thanks, of course, to the players and the staff for all of their hard work and dedication. I have enjoyed working with you and seeing you develop each day. I would also like to make a special mention to my coaches Chris Davies and Glen Driscoll, who have been integral pillars of support throughout my time at the club.
"There is a strong infrastructure and environment in place that puts the club on a strong footing to move forward - a world-class training facility, a passionate and unswerving fan base, a group of great players full of ability and character, and special owners.
"I am obviously disappointed to depart so close to the end of the season and had every confidence that we would have delivered the results needed to preserve the club's Premier League status. I would like to wish everybody at the club the very best of luck as they seek to continue to deliver on this objective. I’m now looking forward to having a chance to reflect and recharge and get ready for the next opportunity".
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