"I’m sure Villa will get a manager that fits for them, but for me I’ve got a big job to do here at Celtic"
Sunday 7 October 2018 20:00, UK
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has distanced himself from the vacant manager's job at Aston Villa and says he is "very happy" at Celtic.
The former Liverpool boss had recently warned Celtic fans they should be "worried" by their poor start to the season but denied his time at the club was coming to an end.
Aston Villa are interested in Rodgers replacing Steve Bruce as manager, though Thierry Henry is the prime candidate, Sky Sports News understands.
Asked if Villa had made contact with Celtic, Rodgers told Sky Sports News: "No I don't believe so.
"At this point in time I think there's probably about 20 names that will be thrown in the hat.
"Aston Villa is one of the biggest clubs in Britain, in the Championship of course, but it really is a Premier League club that will want to get back in there as quickly as they can.
"I'm sure they'll get a manager that fits for them, but for me I've got a big job to do here at Celtic.
"I love my time and my life here and this season we want to go and we want to go and push on."
Rodgers admitted a lack of signings affected them in their midweek defeat to RB Salzburg in the Europa League.
But he says consistency in his side's performances is coming after they beat St Johnstone 6-0 on Sunday to move to within three points of leaders Hearts - who lost 3-1 at Rangers.
He urged the Celtic hierarchy to spend in the next transfer window.
"I think at this moment in time I'm very happy," he said. "The summer was complicated but only because I want what's best for Celtic. I want to push us forward and keep developing.
"We've got an opportunity in January to strengthen the squad, which it needs, but it's a pleasure to work with the players, the club."
Despite the frustrations, Rodgers maintains there is no rift with chief executive Peter Lawell or majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.
"I've got a really good relationship with Dermot, Peter and all the board," he said.
"We don't always agree but that's healthy and good. Our relationship is very strong. The supporters are amazing and we're all very much together."
