Brendan Rodgers’ relationship with the Celtic support has been anything but straightforward.
When the Northern Irish manager arrived in Glasgow in the summer of 2016, he was exactly what the club needed. His debut season ranks among the finest domestic campaigns in Celtic’s history, instantly winning over the fans. Their trust only deepened the following year, when he guided the Hoops to an unprecedented second consecutive domestic treble.
That bond, however, was badly fractured when Rodgers made his sudden switch to Leicester City midway through the 2018–19 campaign. For many supporters, the sense of betrayal lingered, even after he returned to Celtic four years later.
Yet, his renewed domestic success — coupled with the belief that his initial exit was driven by the club’s lack of ambition — has seen some fans soften their stance.
One player from his first spell, Mikael Lustig, has shared conflicted feelings.
The Swedish defender recalled the shock of Rodgers’ departure, which was confirmed on February 26, 2019 — less than two days after Celtic had beaten Motherwell at Parkhead. Speaking to the Celtic Way, Lustig admitted he was furious at the time, though he still holds great admiration for Rodgers’ coaching.
“He’s probably the best coach I ever worked with. A complete professional and a perfectionist. I loved playing under him, and tactically he was on another level. My only regret is the way he left. If you say you’re a Celtic man, you don’t walk out in February. I was angry — really angry. It wasn’t what was best for the club. But when he came back, I was quick to support it. He’s a brilliant manager, and I hope he brings even more success.”
Lustig wasn’t the only one to show raw emotion during that turbulent week in Glasgow.
Six years on, Rodgers’ shock exit still divides opinion. His tenure at Leicester was far from unsuccessful — delivering an FA Cup triumph, two top-five league finishes, and a European semi-final. But for many Celtic fans, that doesn’t erase the manner of his departure.
Tensions over transfers, as well as more recent controversies such as the “cowardly action” incident, have added fuel to the fire. And while his second stint has already brought fresh silverware, for some, the trust broken in 2019 will never be fully restored.
Leave a Reply