The swanky new Celtic training top, the big smile and the Northern Irish lift that could sweet talk the birds out of the trees.
Brendan Rodgers is back at Celtic Park – and it’s like he’s never been away. Meet the new boss, he’s a lot like one of the old ones. Celtic fans are ready to write off Rodgers’ shock departure in 2019 as a mere blip and look forward to a new era under the 50-year-old.
The gaffer will meet the punters at Parkhead tomorrow as well as facing the media for the first time since his sensational return was announced. But on Thursday he sat down with club media to give his state of the nation address and give fans an appetiser of what’s to come as he prepares to pick up where he left off - much to the Green Brigade's annoyance - three-and-a-half years ago.
Here's every word of his first Celtic interview.
What is your overriding emotion at coming back?
“I’m very proud and obviously really happy to be here. Obviously a massive thank you to Dermot (Desmond) and the board for taking me back. Everything just feels so natural and I’m really pleased.
“There were two factors. The first thing was that, when I came in the first time, and now, I’m here to win.
How much did previous spell influence decision to return?
“The nostalgia is great but it’s the past. Hopefully from that period what we achieved is set in concrete and it will always be there. But I’m here again to win and look forward and continue with that mentality and look to see if we can do something in Europe.
“There’s no doubt that the happiness of being here played a huge part both professionally and personally. From a football perspective we achieved and completed history while I was here. The aim will be to continue with that mentality going forward.
“Also outside of the football, my family and everyone associated with me had great happiness in their time here. So what made to pretty straightforward in terms of wanting to come back.
“Our life outside of football was incredible. Scotland and Glasgow were amazing for us. So from a professional perspective, and from a personal perspective, there was real happiness for us to come back to.
Where can you take Celtic?
“It will be the first job I’ve come in to where the team has been on a high. When I’ve gone in to previous roles, there have been different situations. I think Ange has done fantastic job here over the last couple of years, culminating in finishing with the Treble.
“It’s a fantastic achievement. What you’ve got is a young, hungry squad who, if they can keep that mentality, can continue to achieve.
“I think Europe is always a big factor for this club. Can we develop the team to do something in Europe?
“Domestically, it’s always important, that’s your bread and butter, so being it’s about being dominant in Scotland and transferring that into Europe and see if we can achieve something.
What can Celtic fans expect on the pitch?
“My commitment has always been to aggressive attacking football. In my last time here we were able to achieve that. My commitment is always to be an attacking team, an aggressive team – and a winning team.
What do you make of the current squad?
“That was a big part in coming back. When I look at the squad, you’ve virtually only got Callum who was from my time at the club, with James Forrest, who has been a fantastic servant to the club, also still here.
“There’s Scott Bain in the goalkeeping section, but there’s not too many others. That’s exciting.
There are a lot of young players who we can hopefully develop and improve. With direction and the mentality, that can continue to achieve, while continuing that team spirit in order to win trophies.
What about your first signing, Odin Thiago Holm?
“The one thing I’ll start by saying is the recruitment team, when Michael took me through the structure of the club from where it was at when I was here before, I can see a clear change in that infracture and the team behind the football team.
Mark {Lawwell] has done a brilliant job with the recruitment when you see the markets the club are operating in. He’s done a great job in bringing in the players that fit in to the profile of Celtic. And Odin is one of those players.
What about the coaching staff if John Kennedy, Gavin Strachan, Harry Kewell and Stevie Woods?
“I know John Kennedy and Stevie Woods very well. John has been a great servant for the club and he was brilliant in my time here.
“One of the first things I spoke about was to ensure John was here. We had a few long chats.
“We work well together, and when he spoke to the club obviously he was very happy to stay. I’m delighted with that because he’s brilliant professional. He’s very thorough and knows the game well.
“He’s a very honest guy, very loyal and hardworking. I’m very happy he’s stayed.
“Woodsy, as well, he’s a fantastic goalkeeping coach. Every goalkeeper he works with, he makes them better. I’m very happy both those guys are still here.
“I don’t know Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell so well, but they’ve clearly done a very good job with the coaching team. I’m always happy to work with good people.”
Looking forward to Far East trip and working with Celtic’s Asian stars?
"The good thing now is, with Champions League qualification made and no qualification games, it gives you the chance to take Celtic as the brand around the world. It's always the balance of working hard but also taking Celtic out there. I've never been to Japan or Korea so I'm really looking forward to it.
"The young Japanese players have been sensational since they've been here so it's a nice thing for them to go to their country. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to speak those languages but the football language is universal.
"When I've seen those guys play, they won't need much of my lingo!
Excitement of the Champions League?
"We need to get the basis of our work in over pre-season. The league will start and then very quickly you're into the Champions League.
"It's a really exciting time for the club. My experiences of those games when I was here before were incredible with the atmosphere.
"We want to see if we can make an impact in Europe. It's always a challenge at the really highest level but we want to go in there and see if we can progress and show our good side.
"The Champions League will be really exciting."
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