Brendan Rodgers’ telling comments on his return to Celtic

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has candidly shared that this season has been his most challenging as a manager across his entire career.

When Rodgers walked back into the Bhoys last year, he was likely under no illusions that his return would be as smooth and carefree as his incredibly successful first spell at the club.

It was always going to be more difficult coming back with high expectations, especially when his exit to Leicester left a bitter taste for many Celtic supporters.

However, he probably wasn’t expecting all of the dramatic ups and downs that have come his way over the last 12 months.

From transfer mishaps to protests and personal issues dealt with by players, as well as his own failure to produce the consistency in the Scottish Premiership that’s expected and even a fallout with the Scottish FA, it’s been pretty tumultuous.

Brendan Rodgers on “most challenging” Celtic season

Reflecting on his time back in Scotland, Rodgers said this weekend [Daily Record, 10/03 print edition]: “It’s certainly been the most challenging season as a manager that I’ve had but that’s all part of it. It’s the football aspect that I love – that’s the bit I really enjoy. The other stuff that comes with it is part of the territory when you’re at a big club but it’s all a part of the modern game.

“That’s the challenge. During my first time here, I had a magic carpet ride. Any issues were fine and easily dealt with. This season it feels like there are lots of other elements. That’s OK – that’s what I get paid for – but there’s no doubt it’s been my most challenging year as a manager.

“Lots of stuff I’ve had to deal with this season has been new. But you’ve got to get through that. You have to have that resilience and persistence to keep going and focus on the football. After that you deal with the other stuff that comes your way.”

Despite all the discussion surrounding the overall direction of Celtic and the failure to ruthlessly push on from the Ange Postecoglou era, the Bhoys find themselves in a position to potentially secure a league and cup double.

Rodgers will be relishing the prospect of delivering that despite dropping into second place in the Premiership for now. With a chance to also book a place at Hampden against Livingston today, there’s plenty to look forward to.

However, it is telling that the Celtic boss is talking about his return to the club in this way. It’s a sign of the missteps and club issues that have frustrated supporters all year.

Senior figures at the club, as well as Rodgers, must work hard over the coming months to ensure that his second season goes a lot smoother than this one, regardless of how the campaign ends.