RODGERS EMPHASISES THAT ‘HE’S HERE TO WIN.’

BRENDAN RODGERS has reacted angrily to comments from Chris Sutton that he is merely “going through the motions” as Celtic manager in his second stint.

The former Hoops striker questioned the Irishman’s commitment after the champions squandered six crucial Premiership points in two consecutive league defeats to Kilmarnock and Hearts.

“In my career, I wouldn’t be sat here if I went through the motions in anything,” Rodgers said, dismissing the stinging criticism.

“I had no big playing career, no big history in the game. I had to fight for everything I got in the game.

“That will always be the case. I’ve never been granted any privileges in my life as a young coach and as a manager. So, no, I’ve certainly not gone through the motions, that’s for sure.”

Rodgers continued as he prepared for this afternoon’s match against Livingston at Parkhead: “I said to the players earlier in the season, I’m here to win, not draw, and certainly not lose games.”

“And I know how to win. And that’s something that, over time, hopefully I can show here.

“I was here in my first time with a group of players who I was able to maximise the potential of virtually all of them. It will be the same here. With the right profile of players – and players we can elevate – they will do that. That’s what I’ve done all my career.

“It’s a different period of my managerial career, but I’m certainly NOT going through the motions.”

Rodgers, 50, won seven consecutive domestic trophies at his boyhood club, including back-to-back trebles, and is now facing an entirely new challenge that was waiting for him when he took over from Ronny Deila in May 2016.

“This is the time when you have to lead, it’s very easy when you’re going unbeaten for 69 games and winning trophies,” the Hoops coach told the Daily Record.

“I always thought it would be different this time, with the group and everything else. But this is where you have to stand up as a Celtic player and, particularly, as a Celtic manager.”

On the recent setbacks, Rodgers added: “I assess things logically. For whatever reason. Second-half against Kilmarnock, against Hearts – we weren’t good enough. There are lessons there for us as a team.

“In terms of criticism, listen, it happens when you’re not winning. It’s something that could affect you when you’re a very young manager, but it doesn’t me.

“I’m here with a mentality to make this right and, hopefully, we can deliver that.”

The champions can extend their Premiership lead to five points with a win over rock-bottom Livi, while their nearest rivals face Motherwell at Fir Park tomorrow at noon.

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