RODGERS - I have been belittled my whole career but I'm at my best when I've a point to prove

Gaffer is up for battle with Prem title fight about to kick off again

- CRAIG SWAN

BRENDAN RODGERS reckons he has been belittled and disrespected in his managerial career.

It's why he's happy when he has a point to prove.

And it's when he's at his best.

Rodgers has been successful in big jobs at Celtic and Liverpool.

He won an FA Cup at Leicester and showed his skills at Swansea. Still some questioned Rodgers.

His first spell at Parkhead brought a staggering run of seven domestic trophies out of seven.

Yet, earlier this week, Rodgers stated he has to prove himself all over again.

Asked to expand on that notion as he prepares for tomorrow's title kick-off, he said: "I think my journey in my football life, I've probably been belittled a lot and disrespected a lot in my career because I didn't have any big playing background.

"That's when I'm at my best.

"So there's always questions around will you succeed, is it because of this.

There's always a reason why.

"It doesn't worry me though. Don't get me wrong. I just think in general when anyone has to prove a point then that's when you're at your best really.

"It's that challenge. The No.1 thing that breeds success is to have that challenge. The challenge to come back here, especially on the back end of how I left. It wasn't ideal for many.

"So I wanted to come back and show we can have great moments again.