Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed a strong start to life in Saudi Arabia with Al Qadsiah and is already being tipped to take over the national team.
Rodgers was appointed by Al Qadsiah after leaving Celtic in October 2025 but, with Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard on the verge of quitting on the eve of the 2026 World Cup following some disappointing performances in the March internationals.
Al Qadsiah are fighting for the title in the Saudi Pro League with 13 wins and four draws from the Northern Irishman’s 17 matches in charge, and the country’s most-capped player wants him in charge for the finals this summer.
What position would Celtic be in NOW if Brendan Rodgers was still in charge?
Things could've been very different…
Saudi Arabia legend wants Brendan Rodgers in charge for the World Cup
Saudi Arabia are facing calls to sack Renard, especially after the 4-0 loss to Egypt in the recent break, with legendary goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea saying that Rodgers is the perfect replacement.
“We need a change in leadership and management ahead of the World Cup,” Al-Deayea stated.
“The Federation should go to Brendan Rodgers immediately and immediately allow him to take over all the preparations for the World Cup. He is the coach we need.
How much longer can anyone defend Renard? He has not offered anything noteworthy. He left us for his women’s team and somehow we took him back again.
“The defeats are on him and reflect the mistakes of the Saudi Football Federation. I don’t understand why he is still our manager.”
Is Brendan Rodgers a Celtic legend?
Brendan Rodgers’ Al Qadsiah record vs Martin O’Neill’s Celtic record
Both managers have been in charge of the two sides for a similar amount of time, each with different levels of success.
Rodgers, on the face of it, is in the ascendency as he is helping his team climb the table whereas Martin O’Neill is trying to stop the rot and do everything he can do topple Hearts and Rangers.
| Stats | Brendan Rodgers | Martin O’Neill |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 17 | 16 |
| Wins | 14 | 12 |
| Draws | 3 | 2 |
| Losses | 0 | 2 |
O’Neill has won fewer games than Rodgers, as well as lost two in comparison to his predecessor’s zero, but their win percentage is around the same at 75 per cent.
While there would be very few people to suggest that bringing Rodgers back for a third spell would be welcomed, or even realistic, it shows why there are people already touting him for the next role.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
