The former Swansea City and Liverpool manager, who was appointed last May, admitted the past 12 months had taken its toll and he was in need of a break.
However, he promised he would be raring to get back into things when he returns for pre-season training next month ahead of the opening Champions League qualifiers at the start of July.
Asked if it had been a draining campaign for him, he replied: “That’s what it’s like as a manager, at clubs like Liverpool and Celtic, where the expectations are huge and you have to win.
“Throughout my career, because of my journey, there have always been critics. I’ve always had that, every job I’ve been in.
SUMMER TEST FOR RODGERS AS CELTIC AIM HIGH IN EUROPE
Brendan Rodgers won’t be resting on his laurels after Celtic clinched the treble in an historic season which saw the Hoops go unbeaten in all domestic competitions. The former Liverpool manager couldn’t have dreamt for a better start to his reign at Celtic Park and is already planning for next season.
Aberdeen and Sevco Rangers have a huge gap to fill in order make a serious challenge for the Premiership in 2017/18 and the bookies are in no hurry to start encouraging bets on Celtic winning the title again despite having priced up all divisions south of the border.
No matter who Rodgers brings in, Celtic are expected to be offered at unbackable odds. In fact, it’ll be much easier to make money betting risk free at matchedbets.com even though the Hoops already look certs for the title next season.
Rodgers is understood to be on the lookout for a couple of signings to help make a splash in Europe next season but will be equally keen to hold on to key performers who have caught the eye of on looking scouts and managers.
The number one priority is a high class midfielder and the search is on for a dynamic box to box player who can pull the strings in the Champions League.
Stuart Armstrong’s contract expires next summer and Rodgers’ immediate priority is to secure a new deal for the 25-year-old midfielder who has been an important cog in Celtic’s success this term.
Loanee Patrick Roberts heads back to Manchester City with a decent prospect of returning to Parkhead on a permanent basis. Rodgers would like the 18-year-old back for another loan spell but he’s understood to face competition from German sides Hoffenheim and Schalke and is likely to be evaluating other options as a fall back.
Newcastle United are looking to upgrade their squad following promotion to the Premier League and locally, Chronicle Live is reporting Rafa Benitez has an interest in central defender Jozo Simunovic. The 22-year-old has attracted many admirers including West Brom, Burnley, Swansea and Crystal Palace but Benitez is keen to test Celtic’s resolve with an £8m bid for the Croatian.
Simunovic has emerged as Rodgers first pick at centre-half. The boss has already identified the need add to the back line so will be keen to hold on to the youngster who has overcome terrible injuries to establish himself as a first team regular.
The club have been open that they can’t compete with the huge salaries available in the Premier League. It will be a feather in the cap of Rodgers’ negotiating skills if he can keep Armstrong and Simunovic on board while strengthening other areas of the first team. While the summer transfer dealings are unlikely to impact on Celtic’s dominance of the domestic scene it could be crucial if the club is to take a step forward in Europe.