Brendan Rodgers has categorically ruled out departing Celtic before the season concludes, responding to mounting speculation about his position following supporter protests over the club's transfer activity.
"Absolutely no chance," the Northern Irishman declared when questioned about a potential early exit during his pre-match media briefing ahead of Saturday's fixture with Livingston.
The manager acknowledged previous tensions, referencing his 2019 departure with a wry: "We've done that one before. It didn't go down well!"
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Brendan Rodgers has insisted there is no chance he will leave Celtic
|REUTERS
Rodgers reaffirmed his commitment to completing his three-year tenure, stating unequivocally: "I said from the first day and there's no hidden messages and there's no this and that. I said I'd be three years. I'm here for three years."
The Celtic boss moved to dispel suggestions of discord with the club's hierarchy, maintaining that speculation about tensions between himself and board members lacks foundation.
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"People try and look to find that conflict between me and the board or me and whoever," Rodgers explained. "It really isn't the case."
He praised the board's financial stewardship, noting they have "managed the financial side of the game and run the club to an impeccable level" over numerous years.
The manager characterised his role as pushing for continuous improvement whilst acknowledging player departures are inevitable, expressing his desire for smoother transitions when key personnel leave.
"There's certainly no conflict. Everyone at this club from the board to myself we want the very, very best," he emphasised.
The manager disclosed significant injury problems affecting his squad, with right-back Alistair Johnston facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
Johnston sustained a hamstring injury during Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against Kairat and will miss approximately 12 weeks of action.
Despite the setback being "disappointing", Rodgers suggested the situation could benefit emerging talent, specifically mentioning academy prospect Colby Donovan as a potential beneficiary.
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Celtic drew 0-0 with Kazakh side Kairat in a Champions League qualifier at Parkhead, sparking fury among fans
|Reuters
Additional fitness concerns emerged regarding striker Adam Idah and defender Auston Trusty, with both players ruled out of Saturday's encounter.
Rodgers indicated Trusty's recovery period might extend beyond the weekend, whilst winger Daizen Maeda was described as "stiff and crampy" but available, though the manager conceded he has relied on the Japanese international "more than we would have liked".
Rodgers reflected on Wednesday's stalemate with Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off first leg, acknowledging the need to educate recent arrivals about Celtic's expectations.
The manager revealed he has explained to newer squad members that a goalless draw at home "will always feel like a disaster" at the Glasgow club.
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Celtic travel to Kazakhstan next week looking to reach the next stage
|Reuters
Despite the frustrating result, which prompted vocal demonstrations from supporters including chants of "sack the board", Rodgers maintained optimism about progression.
His side "still have a big chance of qualification" for the group stages, he insisted.
The manager also confirmed Marco Tilio's impending departure, with the Australian linked to Austrian side Rapid Vienna, though no fresh signings were announced.