Planet Swans ArchivesBrendan Rodgers says that despite speculation linking him with a move to Spurs, his focus remains very much on the Swans and the here and now
“I wouldn’t say it was too early, although of course the pressures are totally different,” the Northern Irishman told the Evening post.
“For me, if the day ever comes (when he is offered the chance to manage one of the top clubs), I will not be asking myself whether I can work at that level.
“If it does come, whether I am 39, 49 or 59, I’ll know that I have worked at that level already.
“I had four and a half years at Chelsea where I got a real feel for the challenge at that level.
“I worked with top international players — the Ballacks, the Shevchenkos, the Terrys, the Lampards — and earned their respect both as a human being and a coach.
“When is the right time? People talk about experience, but I got more experience in my time working with people like (Jose) Mourinho and (Luiz Felipe) Scolari than some managers will get in a lifetime of coaching.
“I was in pole position in terms of learning. If the chance comes one day to work at that level as the manager, I will be ready.
“No, I respect that it’s your job — you have to report. The point is that there is only so much you can say on it. My message is the same as it was four or five months ago — I like being here, simple.
“What the future looks like, well we would all like to have that crystal ball wouldn’t we, but all I hope is that I can continue the work we have done here.
“My focus is purely on the now and I want to help this club move forward,” he said.
“I understand when you perform like our players have this season that (media) attention gravitates towards you.
“That’s certainly not something I am looking for, but you can’t help it because the British game is all about speculation and gossip.
“I can’t control that so I don’t worry about it.
“The reality is that somewhere along the line, either I will leave or the club will sack me.
“But my focus now is on making sure I continue to work well for Swansea.
It might be too soon in my personal life,” said Rodgers, whose dad passed away in September.
“It’s been a big year this year and there will be a chance to reflect at the end of the season.
“A lot has happened personally, with my father and lots of other things, so I will need time to reflect on that as well as on the season we’ve had and where we can improve.”
