Brendan Rodgers Becomes Coach of Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia

Brendan Rodgers has stepped into a new role as the head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, just six weeks after resigning from his position at Celtic. The announcement marks a significant shift for Rodgers, who is now managing outside of Britain for the first time in his career. Al-Qadsiah is currently in fifth place in the Saudi Pro League, following their promotion to the league this season.

The club, which boasts notable players such as Italian striker Mateo Retegui and former Real Madrid defender Fernandez Nacho, is undergoing a transformation since its acquisition by Saudi oil giant Aramco in 2023. This change has elevated Al-Qadsiah’s ambitions within the competitive landscape of Asian football.

Rodgers resigned from Celtic on October 27, 2023, amid criticism from major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who described the coach’s actions as “divisive, misleading, and self-serving.” This criticism contributed to a challenging atmosphere at the club during his second tenure.

In a statement announcing his hiring, Al-Qadsiah emphasized Rodgers’ reputation as a “world-renowned coach,” highlighting that his appointment aligns with the club’s ambitious vision and their rapidly developing sporting project. Chief Executive James Bisgrove stated, “This is a landmark moment for the club. The caliber of his experience and track record of winning reflects our ambition and long-term vision to establish Al-Qadsiah as one of Asia’s leading clubs.”

Rodgers has previously achieved success with Celtic, where he won back-to-back Scottish league titles and a total of 11 major trophies during his two tenures. He also claimed the FA Cup with Leicester City. The coach is stepping into a role that follows the tenures of former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler and former Spain midfielder Michel, both of whom previously held the managerial position at Al-Qadsiah.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Rodgers aims to leverage his extensive experience to elevate Al-Qadsiah’s standing in the Saudi Pro League and beyond. The club’s rapid growth and vision may provide the ideal platform for him to showcase his coaching abilities on an international stage.