Congerton admits his shared philosophy with Rodgers will be beneficial at Celtic
Lee Congerton admitted his shared philosophy with manager Brendan Rodgers will be beneficial in his role as Celtic's scouting supremo but he stressed he would fit in with the club's successful transfer policy of recent years.
Lee Congerton admitted his shared philosophy with manager Brendan Rodgers will be beneficial in his role as Celtic's scouting supremo but he stressed he would fit in with the club's successful transfer policy of recent years.
Congerton worked with the Celtic chief at Chelsea when Rodgers was reserve boss and the Welshman was chief scout.
The former Sunderland sporting director was appointed as head of recruitment on Wednesday to replace John Park, who left in October, four months after Rodgers took charge.
But Congerton made it clear he will work closely with chief executive Peter Lawwell as well as Rodgers.
On his relationship with Rodgers, he said: "Firstly that helps. There is a mutual respect. But you have a job to do and my appointment is a club appointment.
"I know they spoke to other candidates and I had other opportunities myself.
"This was a job that I wanted. Brendan is a big pull of that, without a shadow of a doubt, because to have a working relationship and a respectful one is very important. To be part of that and build something together is crucial to my own development.
"We were fortunate at Chelsea to work with some of the best people in the world, Jose Mourinho, and after Brendan left we had the likes of Carlo Ancelotti come in. Also at Chelsea we had Frank Arnesen who was there for a number of years who built a philosophy that we all worked and adhered to, but we were also allowed input ourselves.
"So I know Brendan and we share a similar philosophy. He's the manager and he'll decide the way forward, but I understand the profiles he's looking for and the players that he needs.
"When I look at Celtic this year compared to last year, the team has a lot more pace and power, especially in transition to win the ball back as well as the counter-attack. That's down to the likes of Scotty Sinclair and Moussa Dembele coming in.
"But it's about working together and having a club method, and that's something that Peter, the chief exec, is very clear about as well."
When asked whether he would bring a different approach, Congerton was keen to praise the foundations he has inherited, which have seen Celtic make huge profits on the likes of Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk.
"Firstly, Celtic have been very successful in recent years," he said. "They have built a network around the world, brought in good players for good value and those players have moved on.
"So it's to continue the good work and help build on that.
"But we can't lose sight, this is a Scottish club, we want players from Glasgow and Scotland representing us, but we want to dominate in Scottish football and participate at a high level in Europe on an annual basis.
"This is not about Lee Congerton, this is about Celtic Football Club. What's working for Celtic, I'm sure Peter and the owner and the board would like that to continue, and I'm part of that. I want to stress this is not about 'I', it's very much a 'we' mentality."