Malky Mackay believes that in Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are getting a better manager than the one that led Liverpool to runners-up spot in the 2014 Premier League behind Manchester City writes Joe McHugh.
The circumstances in which that title was lost, a slip by Steven Gerrard against Chelsea followed by losing a two-goal lead at Crystal Palace, may be mocked by non-Liverpool fans but in the modern era it has become the high-water mark for the Anfield side.
If Jugen Klopp can finish second next season he will be lauded throughout the game but for various reasons Rodgers efforts just two years ago seem to be dismissed although he picked up the League Managers Association Manager of the Year award with votes coming from all four divisions.
Mackay worked with Rodgers at Watford, across the divide from him when they were at Swansea and Cardiff and has remained a friend through the ups and downs which saw both of them out of the game in recent months.
Rodgers returns to the spotlight tomorrow when he is introduced as the new manager of Celtic with Mackay keen and confident that his pal get can his career, and Celtic, back on track.
“I spent a week with him towards the end of his time at Liverpool and there was a great respect for him within the club,” the former Cardiff manager said.
“He left a few days later and it wasn’t an easy time to be at Anfield.
“Looking at things now his Liverpool team were a swashbuckling side and were only a couple of decisions away from winning their first title in over 20 years.
“In time people will look back differently at that season, there was rawness of disappointment but people will look back fondly on Brendan’s time as Liverpool manager.
“He had a great respect for the club, he showed that and that will come through again at Celtic. Both clubs are very similar in terms of their working class roots and have huge supports.
“Brendan stepped away, he’s refreshed, he’s had a couple of holidays, gone on a couple of study visits to keep his hand in.
“He’ll reflect on what he has done so far, I’ve met him a few times for lunch, he’s refreshed and ready to go again, that’s the best way I could describe it.”
After two passionless seasons under Ronny Deila, the Celtic support wants to be excited again.
Failure to reach the group phase of the Champions League was matched by low key Thursday night’s in the Europa League.
In Deila’s first season the top tier at Celtic Park was closed down, in the season just ending Celtic failed to win any of their six Europa League ties.
Successive SPFL titles didn’t cover the failures against Maribor, Malmo and Molde.
Most Celtic fans believe that Rodgers is inheriting a decent squad that has massively underachieved, with the right additions and a change in attitude players can begin to fulfil their potential.
The Antrim man has been given the task of reviving every area of Celtic; bringing success of the park, excitement to the stands and connecting with the support.
“Invariably Celtic have to play attacking football and Brendan will bring that,” Mackay added. “His teams play that way.
“He will nurture the younger talent at the club, he has a respect for people and they’ll enjoy working with him.
“He will try to make them better which is a good quality, he’ll be hands on at training. His manner and his respect for the players will quickly come through.
“People in football know about the size of Celtic but perhaps not quite how far reaching the support goes. Brendan is Irish, he has worked in England all his days but absolutely he gets what Celtic is about, he’ll be looking forward to getting back to work.
“I think that it’s a fabulous coup for Celtic to be bringing in a former Liverpool manager. I know Brendan really well, I know how he works, the qualities he has and he’ll bring all of that to Celtic.
“The quest now is to go winning winning the title and get back into the Champions League. Brendan has experience at a high level and that’s what Celtic are now getting.”
