Brendan Rodgers, the current Celtic manager, credits his time under José Mourinho at Chelsea as pivotal in his development. In a recent interview, he emphasized that working with Mourinho shaped his approach to the game and the pressures of management.
Rodgers Reflects on Mourinho’s Impact
Rodgers highlighted that his experience with Mourinho provided him with insights that went beyond tactics. It was a deep dive into the psychological aspects of managing top-tier football clubs. He noted that the demanding environment at Chelsea taught him invaluable lessons about handling expectations and the competitive nature of coaching.
Career Progression Under Mourinho’s Guidance
Rodgers began his managerial career at Watford at the age of 35. This was after a lengthy playing career, which included significant time as an academy manager at Reading. His tenure at Chelsea was crucial, as he faced immediate pressure, with several high-profile names linked to his position shortly after his arrival.
During his time with Mourinho, he learned about competing in high-stakes situations. He stated, “When you are at these top clubs, you will have at least 12 names linked with your job.” This realization galvanized him to work harder and focus on delivering results.
The Excellence of Chelsea’s Key Players
At Chelsea, Rodgers also had the opportunity to work alongside world-class players including John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Ashley Cole. Their dedication and professionalism set a high standard that influenced his coaching philosophy.
Mourinho’s Current Position at Benfica
While Rodgers continues his journey at Celtic, Mourinho has made headlines by returning to Benfica, where he began his managerial career 25 years ago. Appointed just over a month ago, he took over from Bruno Lage on a two-year contract.
However, rumors suggest Mourinho may have aspirations beyond Benfica. Presidential candidate Rui Manteigas indicated that Mourinho is interested in coaching the Portugal national team, a position he has long coveted. The contract reportedly includes a one-year release clause, allowing either side to terminate the agreement after one season.
Mourinho’s Future Aspirations
Manteigas pointed out that if Mourinho intended to stay long-term, he wouldn’t have included such a clause in his contract. This raises questions about his commitment to Benfica amid growing speculation about a potential role with the national team.
Upcoming Challenges for Both Managers
Mourinho is scheduled to return to England to face Newcastle United in the Champions League, having suffered a recent defeat at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Rodgers is focused on leading Celtic against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, as they strive to maintain their domestic dominance.
