**Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers Opens Up as Swansea City Pursues Coach Darren O’Dea**
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed discussions with Darren O’Dea over the latter’s potential departure from the Scottish champions, as growing speculation suggests O’Dea could soon join Swansea City as assistant manager. The Championship club has reportedly been targeting the 38-year-old coach for some time, and negotiations are believed to be moving towards a conclusion.
O’Dea, who currently serves as Professional Pathway Manager at Celtic, is considered a promising talent within coaching circles. His work at Parkhead has not gone unnoticed, with clubs both inside and outside Scotland having previously expressed interest in his services. Swansea City are understood to be on the brink of finalising O’Dea’s appointment as deputy to Alan Sheehan, recently named Swansea’s permanent manager after a successful interim spell.
In a candid statement, Rodgers shared insights into O’Dea’s possible move and his own conversations with the coach regarding the new challenge. “Yes, I spoke to Darren yesterday regarding this opportunity. We discussed what the move could mean for him, both professionally and personally,” Rodgers revealed. He went on to reference his own time with Swansea, underlining his familiarity with the club and city.
Rodgers acknowledged the role O’Dea has played at Celtic, but suggested that coaching remains close to the Irishman’s heart. “I think perhaps the only place Darren would have continued in this current capacity is at Celtic,” Rodgers commented. “His real passion lies in coaching, and at some point, perhaps even management, is in his future.”
The timing of O’Dea’s prospective switch comes amid Swansea City’s broader restructuring under Sheehan. During his interim reign, Sheehan had initially considered bringing O’Dea on board, but uncertainty around the managerial position at the time caused such plans to stall. Since then, Sheehan has cemented his status with a new three-year contract.
Sheehan has already been proactive in building his backroom staff, having recently appointed Mark Fotheringham and Richard Stearman to key positions. In his comments following these appointments, Sheehan praised their dedication and adaptability. “They have given everything to the club and surpassed what I initially expected,” he remarked, highlighting the strong team spirit that has developed during his tenure.
Nevertheless, Sheehan hinted that further changes could be afoot within his coaching setup. “There’s a process to this and I anticipate we might see changes with some of the staff I’ve brought in as we move forward,” he stated. Such comments suggest a period of transition—and opportunity—at the club, as new foundations are laid for the season ahead.
Within the industry, O’Dea is held in high regard for his developmental work and knowledge of the game. His possible move to Swansea would represent a significant step forward in his coaching career, adding English Championship experience to his already impressive CV.
As speculation grows, Rodgers appeared supportive of O’Dea’s ambitions and future prospects. “He just wanted my opinion on it, to talk it through, and now we’re waiting to see what will happen,” the Celtic boss noted.
For Swansea City, the capture of a promising coach like O’Dea could further underline their intent under Sheehan to revitalise the club and contend seriously in the Championship. As the summer approaches, fans and observers alike await official confirmation of O’Dea’s next move, and the potential impact it could make on both clubs.
While the period of transition is rarely without its challenges, the mutual respect and open communication exhibited by Rodgers and O’Dea signal a professionalism that bodes well for all parties no matter how negotiations unfold in the coming weeks.