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December 3, 2019

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‘Happy’ Rodgers keen to continue Leicester project

Source: Agencies | 00:00 UTC+8 December 3, 2019 | Print Edition

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has poured cold water on speculation of a potential mid-season switch to manager-less Arsenal, saying yesterday that he was happy in his job and had no need to look elsewhere for another one.

British media has linked Rodgers with a move to the London club following Spaniard Unai Emery’s sacking on Friday after Arsenal’s worst run in more than a quarter of a century.

Rodgers, who has transformed Leicester into a credible title contender this season since taking over the Foxes in February, fuelled the speculation after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton by saying he had a release clause in his contract.

“I have a contract here until 2022,” Rodgers told reporters ahead of tomorrow’s match against bottom club Watford.

“I gave an honest answer about how all managers have some sort of clause in their contracts and suddenly that seems to have thrown a door wide open.

“Thus far I know managers are losing their jobs, the club have not indicated to me that they are going to sack me. I’m very happy so would have no need to look elsewhere.”

Leicester’s form has been remarkable with 16 wins and four draws from its 25 league games under the former Liverpool and Celtic boss. It is second with 32 points from 14 games, eight points behind Liverpool.

“Why would I want to leave Leicester at this time? I’m working with a group of players who have so much potential,” Rodgers added. “For me, I repeat, I’m very happy here. I feel I want to continue with that. Take from that what you want.”

Pep Guardiola believes Rodgers has turned Leicester into a serious title contender, after his Manchester City side slipped three points behind the Foxes following a frustrating 2-2 draw at Newcastle United. It is now 11 points behind Liverpool.

“I think it’s typical for this league and the history that it involves many teams,” Guardiola, who takes his side to Burnley today knowing it needs to put a long winning run together, told a news conference yesterday.

“Leicester are doing incredibly well. Last season when Brendan Rodgers took over they changed the way they play.

“We knew that when we played against them and they continue doing really well.”

City’s hopes of a third successive English Premier League title are in danger of disappearing after this month’s 1-3 loss at Liverpool and Saturday’s dropped points at Newcastle.

The usual zip has been missing from City’s forward play and it has gone four EPL games without keeping a clean sheet with Guardiola deploying midfielder Fernandinho as center back alongside John Stones.

Asked about his defensive pairing, the Spaniard said: “Right now it’s because I like Dino in that position. That’s why he plays. Have you seen the games? Two shots on target (against Newcastle) and we conceded. We will improve.”

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