Brendan Rodgers has faced a challenging reentry into his role at Celtic. Even before signing on for the second time, he knew winning over fans who hadn’t forgiven him for leaving for Leicester City would be an uphill battle. The difficulty was compounded by Celtic’s loss in the early season League Cup, dashing hopes of retaining a treble, and witnessing archrivals Rangers claim the trophy further intensified the pressure on Rodgers.
However, Saturday’s Old Firm victory provided a sigh of relief for the 50-year-old manager. Yet, he remains fully aware that Celtic’s tenuous eight-point lead could be significantly diminished if Rangers win their two games in hand. A forthcoming victory over St Mirren might further alleviate this pressure, allowing Rodgers to head into the winter break with a sense of stability.
When addressing rumors about Celtic’s potential decline, Rodgers conveyed his seasoned ability to dismiss such noise. Emphasizing his focus on the team’s progress and development, he acknowledged the natural shifts in performance and mentality of a squad over time. The manager underscored his commitment to drive the team’s standards and performance as the focal point of his role in guiding the team.
Rodgers expressed a lucid understanding of the scrutiny he faces the second time around, recognizing the fundamentally different challenge he confronts in meeting expectations. Unlike his initial entry, this phase involves recalibrating and re-establishing standards, as he navigates a group of players at a different stage in their cycle of success.
The significance of maintaining momentum after the Old Firm victory was emphasized by Rodgers, who stressed the need to carry forward the energy and performance displayed in that match. Reflecting on the evolving style and resilience of the team, he highlighted the continual need for improvement, even after impressive victories against formidable opponents.
As Brendan Rodgers navigates through the challenges of his return to Celtic, he is keenly aware of the demanding nature of his role. His efforts to win over fans who harbored resentment after his departure for Leicester City have been compounded by setbacks like the early season League Cup defeat at Kilmarnock, which ended any hope of retaining a treble. Moreover, witnessing rival Rangers lifting the trophy at Hampden further intensified the pressure, especially amidst struggles to maintain a lead in the Premiership table. However, the relief following the recent Old Firm victory offers a momentary respite, albeit with an awareness that Celtic’s eight-point lead could diminish if Rangers triumph in their games in hand.
Acknowledging the scrutiny and expectations, Rodgers emphasizes the need for sustained progress and development within the squad. Although experienced in tuning out external distractions, he recognizes the significance of this transitional period, where the team’s hunger for success must be revitalized.
As he prepares to delve into the January transfer market, Rodgers underlines the importance of player recuperation and acknowledges their need for some time off to recharge and spend with their families. The upcoming weeks are crucial, not only for the season’s outcome but also for shaping the trajectory of the club’s future. Rodgers remains focused on maintaining the team’s work rate, mentality, and consistency, underscoring the significance of bringing these elements to every game.
Looking ahead, he aims to infuse the squad with refreshed energy and potentially pivotal additions during the transfer window. Balancing the present demands with the need for rest, Rodgers underscores the importance of the upcoming period as Celtic gears up for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.