Brendan Rodgers pledges future to Leicester amid Newcastle link but admits the Magpies’ new-found wealth will make his job harder
- Brendan Rodgers has led Leicester to fifth place in each of the last two seasons
- He also helped them win the FA Cup for the first time in their 137-year existence
- He is thought to be one of the names listed to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle
Brendan Rodgers expects Newcastle’s new-found wealth to make Leicester’s life tougher as he tries to restore the competitive edge that helped his players make history last season.
Rodgers was one of the names on Newcastle’s list to replace Steve Bruce following their £305million Saudi-backed takeover but the Foxes boss said on Friday night he had no plans to leave Leicester.
And as he prepared his faltering side to face Manchester United on Saturday, Rodgers admitted some of his players were struggling to build on May’s FA Cup victory – Leicester’s first in their 137-year existence – and their consecutive fifth-place finishes in the Premier League.
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has reaffirmed his commitment to the club
‘I have huge respect for top players who keep winning and winning,’ said Rodgers. ‘Success is a disease. It’s something that can set in with players and people and we have to ensure we keep pushing.
‘Some of these players may think what we’ve done over these last couple of seasons is the best they can possibly do, but I’m here to win and I want to keep challenging.
‘You have to keep proving a point. What you’ve done in the past is great. You’ll be there in the club’s history but you’ve got to get uncomfortable again and keep striving to be the best you can be.
Rodgers is thought to be on the list of names Newcastle have drawn up to replace Steve Bruce
‘I’ve always taken on a challenge at the clubs I’ve been to. If there’s a certain level of money at Newcastle and an infrastructure that allows that money to be spent wisely, then absolutely [it makes it harder for us].
‘They are going to be able to attract a level of player and that could make it even more difficult for other clubs to reach the top positions.
‘But we want to compete and we want to be fighting. We have a fantastic infrastructure and then it’s about developing the team to allow us to be competitive.’
Rodgers hopes to have defender Jonny Evans available as he continues to manage a foot problem, while James Justin is also nearing a return, though midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is expected to be out for at least another month.
