Rodgers Leaves Celtic After Tough Run
Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager following a challenging start to the campaign, marking the end of his second spell in charge at Parkhead. The decision came after a 3-1 defeat to Hearts left the Scottish champions eight points adrift of their Edinburgh rivals in the league table.
The club confirmed on Sunday that Rodgers tendered his resignation and that it had been accepted, with immediate effect. In a period where Celtic had hoped to build on domestic dominance, the setback at Hearts proved decisive both for the team and for Rodgers’ tenure in Glasgow.
Celtic indicated that the process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway. In the interim, former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of first-team matters while the club conducts its search. The arrangement will allow Celtic to maintain continuity as they assess their options for the long term.
A Look Back at Rodgers’ Second Spell
Rodgers, who also managed Celtic from 2016 to 2019, returned to Parkhead in June 2023 to succeed Ange Postecoglou. His first tenure yielded league titles, cup trebles, and a record 106-point domestic campaign in the 2016-17 season, as Celtic became the first Scottish side to complete an undefeated top-flight season since 1899. Those highs set a high bar for his second spell.
During the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, Rodgers would again win the Scottish Premiership and lift both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup. However, this campaign revealed cracks in the squad and recruitment strategy. A disappointing summer, coupled with a less-than-stellar European showing, contributed to mounting pressure and a public acknowledgment that the club needed a broader rethink.
Rodgers publicly addressed the recruitment concerns during the season, noting limitations in squad depth compared to rivals and a need for sharper signings. A sharp criticism from club principal shareholder Dermot Desmond followed, detailing the board’s backing for Rodgers’ long-term plan and clarifying misunderstandings about contract extensions and the club’s transfer strategy. The combined weight of results and boardroom debates accelerated the decision to part ways.
What’s Next for Celtic?
With the interim period in place, Celtic now focuses on stabilizing performances and setting a clear path toward a sustainable rebuild. The club has stated it will update supporters on the management situation as soon as possible and remains committed to competing for domestic titles while the process to appoint a permanent head coach unfolds.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the new leadership adapts the squad, balances development with results, and navigates the ongoing challenges of a competitive Scottish Premiership and European competition. The temporary stewardship of O’Neill and Maloney will be tested across league fixtures and cup commitments as Celtic work toward a cohesive plan for the remainder of the season.
Club Reactions and Industry Context
Rodgers’ departure comes amid a broader conversation about transfer strategy, squad building, and long-term stability at Celtic Park. The club’s public statements emphasized gratitude for Rodgers’ contributions and a desire to move forward with a structure that supports sustained success. In the wider football landscape, the situation echoes a familiar theme: even proven managers require alignment between recruitment, resources, and results to sustain success over multiple seasons.
As Celtic begins this transitional phase, supporters and stakeholders alike will be looking for clarity on recruitment philosophy, potential targets, and a leadership style that can deliver domestic titles and competitive European runs in the coming years.
