Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been appointed as the head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.
This is the Irishman's first role since his surprise resignation in October. He replaces the Spanish coach, Michel, who departed just hours before the appointment announcement.
Al-Qadsiah, who are currently fifth in the league table, made the announcement on their official website. The statement praised the 52-year-old's impressive track record.
Brendan Rodgers joins #AlQadsiah as Head Coach 📄​
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🔗​ https://t.co/fTIxppKjbi
​#BrendanQadsawi pic.twitter.com/w6rv4eespD— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) December 16, 2025
They said, "AlQadsiah Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of world-renowned coach Brendan Rodgers as head coach of the first football team, a move that reflects the club’s ambitious vision and its rapidly growing sporting project.
"The Northern Ireland-born Rodgers is regarded as one of Europe’s most prominent coaches, boasting an impressive track record, including in the English Premier League and European competitions.
"He is widely known for his expertise in building competitive teams and developing players, as well as for implementing a modern, possession-based attacking style of play."
"Over the course of his career, Rodgers has managed more than 300 Premier League matches with major clubs, achieving notable milestones. These include leading Liverpool to a historic league runner-up finish while setting a club record of 101 goals in a single season, winning the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021 for the first time in the club’s history, and enjoying two highly successful spells in Scotland, where he secured 11 major trophies at Celtic.
"Brendan will be joined by experienced Assistant Coaches John Kennedy and Jack Lyons, who will work alongside First Team Coaches, Alvaro Gomez Rey, Antolin MartÃn and Set Piece specialist coach, Elliott Tyebo.
James Bisgrove, the club's CEO and former Rangers figure, said, "Following a rigorous global recruitment process, we’re delighted to welcome Brendan to Al Khobar as our new Head Coach. 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."
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"Supported by our Board of Directors, an exciting and talented playing squad, world class football staff, and passionate supporters, we’re excited to enter this next phase of the club’s development."
Meanwhile, sporting director Carlos Anton expressed his excitement at Rodgers' appointment and how he believes the Northern Irishman is a perfect fit for Al Qadsiah's football strategy.
He said, "We’re thrilled to welcome Brendan to Al-Qadsiah Club and believe his elite coaching credentials and playing philosophy are an excellent fit with our football strategy.
"Brendan inherits a highly talented and committed squad that is hungry for success, and I’m confident he will drive the next stage of the club’s development.
"He will work in close alignment with our performance, medical, recruitment, and analysis departments to help elevate the club to the next level."
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