Brendan Rodgers Edges Closer to Taking the Helm at Al Qadsiah

What’s Happening

The Qadsiah management in Saudi Arabia has reached an agreement with Irish coach Brendan Rodgers to lead the squad, replacing Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez, who was dismissed last Sunday. The move is expected to be finalized soon as talks progress.

Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported that the club plans to announce Rodgers as the new manager in the coming days. Local media say the club will host a formal press conference once signatures are in, and Rodgers could be in the dugout for the next league game.

The decision followed a dip in form that left Al Qadsiah fifth in the Saudi Pro League on 17 points, 10 behind the leaders. Performance issues and injuries aside, the club hopes Rodgers will bring stability and a sharper tactical edge.

Rodgers' Coaching Background

The club also exited the King’s Cup in the quarterfinals after a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to Al Ahli Jeddah. That setback has added pressure on the incoming coach.

Rodgers, 52, has previously guided Liverpool from 2012 to 2015, and has stints with Leicester City, Watford, Swansea City and Chelsea, plus a return to Celtic from 2023 to 2025.

Punchline 1: If Rodgers can turn Al Qadsiah around, the only thing louder than the crowd will be my printer printing more transfer rumors.

Punchline 2: In football as in stand-up, timing is everything—let’s hope Rodgers brings the right timing, or at least a good punchline for the scoreboard.