Brendan Rodgers describes ‘privilege’ of managing Leicester in first statement since sacking

Former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has released an emotional tribute to his old club in his first statement since being sacked.

The Northern Irish coach, who previously managed Liverpool and Celtic, was with The Foxes sitting in the Premier League relegation zone.

Rodgers released a statement today thanking his former club and celebrating the successes they achieved on the pitch.

He 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.”

After taking over from Claude Puel in February 2019, Rodgers guided Leicester to two fifth place top flight finishes, and claimed the clubs first FA Cup in a two years ago.

“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,” Rodger said.

“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.”

This season has seen a significant down turn for Leicester, and the club currently sit in 19th place, two points from safety.

last Saturday means The Foxes have now won only twice in 11 games this calendar year, picking up eight points from a possible 33.

Rodgers added: “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.”

Rodgers may find the chance to jump back into management comes sooner then expected, with both Spurs and Chelsea looking for a new manager.