On Tuesday, Brendan Rodgers was appointed as the new manager of Al Qadsiah, a team in the Saudi Pro League, marking his return to management six weeks after resigning from Celtic, the Scottish champions.
Currently sitting in fifth place after their promotion, Al Qadsiah boasts a roster that features Italian forward Mateo Retegui and former Real Madrid defender Nacho, as they navigate their inaugural season in the league.
Rodgers left Celtic on October 27 amid controversy, facing harsh criticism from major shareholder Dermot Desmond regarding his behavior, which was described as “divisive, misleading, and self-serving,” leading to a “toxic atmosphere” at the club.
In a significant shift in his managerial career, Rodgers has chosen to coach outside of Britain for the first time, having previously led Liverpool, Leicester, and Swansea.
Al Qadsiah’s announcement on Tuesday referred to Rodgers as a “world-renowned coach” and emphasized his hiring as a testament to the club’s ambitious vision and its developing sports project.
Al Qadsiah was acquired by state-owned Aramco in 2023, a move that has significantly elevated the club’s profile.
“This is a pivotal moment for the club,” said Al Qadsiah CEO James Bisgrove. “Rodgers’ exceptional experience and proven winning record align with our aspirations to position Al Qadsiah as one of Asia’s elite clubs.”
Rodgers arrives at Al Qadsiah after securing consecutive league titles with Celtic, amassing a total of 11 major trophies across his two tenures there. He also won the FA Cup during his time with Leicester.
His predecessors at Al Qadsiah included former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler and ex-Spain midfielder Michel.