Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic fans singing his name and growing reputation on return

Add as preferred source on Google

The irony of Brendan Rodgers’ name being sung by Celtic fans at Tynecastle at the weekend was not lost on the Bhoys boss.

That was the venue where the now infamous banner deriding Rodgers and his exit to Leicester City was unveiled in 2019 – a banner which summed up the feelings of many Celtic fans at the time.

Rodgers’ return to the club was always going to be contentious with a section of the support. However, good form, a sensible media manner and signs of improvement are contributing to any ill feelings being eased.

That was never more clear than after the win over Hearts. Rodgers is now hoping that, in time, there can be even more unity at Celtic in the pursuit of success.

Brendan Rodgers on his relationship with Celtic fans

The Bhoys boss said [Daily Record]: “The irony being the last time with the banner at Hearts. But listen, it’s all about winning games. However long I’m here, and whatever we win, everyone may not be onside. That’s okay.

“As long as the team gets the support then that’s the most important thing. Of course, when you have that connection, like I had the first time when I was here, then it brings everything together. And it’s an amazing feeling. You need that synchronisation.

“If you want to succeed you need that relationship between supporters, the team and the manager. That’s very important and the supporters in the main have been great since I’ve come back here.

“I understand why there was a bit of resentment towards me coming back but it was never going to stop me. I am professional enough in my work to focus on the team. And if I can produce a team that excites the supporters, and we can win things in my time here, then hopefully that can and will be acceptable.”

Rodgers perfectly understands the fickle nature of football. He also knows that, ultimately through any bluster, what most fans care about most is seeing their team perform well.

There’s plenty to be positive about right now and to succeed in this sport, clubs and fans have to be focused on the future rather than what’s happened in the past.

Rightly, everyone is moving forward together and hopefully we see more evidence of it this weekend.

In other news, Brendan Rodgers suggests summer signing is about to get his first real opportunity at Celtic.