Rodgers is in talks to become Leicester manager after Claude Puel's sacking
Tuesday 26 February 2019 18:57, UK
Paul Merson insists Brendan Rodgers is one of the best managers around at present, and he would even have him as Chelsea boss.
Celtic's Rodgers in Leicester talks
Rodgers is in talks with Leicester about becoming their new manager after he was given permission by Celtic to talk to the club, according to Sky sources.
Speaking on The Debate on Monday night, Chelsea supporter Merson insisted Rodgers has the character to address what he believes has been an overly influential dressing room at the King Power.
"It's a strong dressing room, you'd have to go and sort that out very quickly, because I think they have a big say in decisions.
"I like Brendan Rodgers, and he'd have to go in and make sure he sorts out the dressing room. I think he's one of the best managers about, I really do, I think he's top, top drawer and I don't think he gets the credit he deserves. I'd take him [at Chelsea]!"
In his two-and-a-half years at Celtic, Rodgers led the club to back-to-back domestic trebles, but their lack of success in Europe has brought about a perceived glass ceiling in what he could achieve in future at Parkhead.
Merson believes Rodgers' success at Liverpool, where he came close to winning the Premier League title in 2013/14, should not be underplayed.
"Whoever gets hold of Brendan Rodgers will have a very good manager. People say: 'Oh, what he did at Liverpool [is lessened] because he had Suarez'. That's rubbish.
"He had Luis Suarez, but when you have a quality player like him you have to get a tune out of him week in, week out, and get all of the other lads playing too!
"I don't think he gets the credit he deserves, he's a proper manager!"
Merson added that Rodgers may have more options to consider if he waited until the summer before moving, and also suggested that Leicester's current playing style is not a perfect fit for the 46-year-old.
"If you could wait, you've still got Newcastle as well, you don't know what Benitez is going to do at the end of the season.
"He is top drawer, he brings kids through, he plays good football. Leicester is a different way of playing, they play counter-attacking football on the break, and he's not really like that, he wants to roll it out and play from the back. I don't think Leicester have those kind of players."
