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Brendan Rodgers’ timely words about style of play at Al Qadsiah as Celtic sack Wilfried Nancy

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Chaos. That’s the word to describe how everything has unfolded since Brendan Rodgers’ exit at Celtic in October.

Don’t get it wrong, it was the correct call for Rodgers to leave Celtic, whether he was booted out or he decided to leave himself. 

But Celtic are in a far worse situation, even though the opening months of this campaign were poor, and the football was dire.

That’s no longer Rodgers’ problem because, as he was enjoying Al Qadsiah running riot in the Saudi Pro League, Celtic were sacking Wilfried Nancy after his three-at-the-back formation caused confusion and six defeats from eight matches.

What message would you send Wilfried Nancy as Celtic sack the manager?

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy reacts during the Premier League match between Celtic and Aberdeen
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Brendan Rodgers watches on during the Europa League clash between Celtic and Sturm Graz
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers on Al Qadsiah’s style of play after Celtic sack Wilfried Nancy

On Sunday, Rodgers took charge of his third game as Al Qadsiah boss, picking up his second win, after thrashing Al-Riyadh 4-0.

This follows a 3-2 win over Al-Shabab and a 1-1 draw against Damac in his opening game for the Saudi side.

But after the game against Al-Riyadh, Rodgers spoke about his ‘philosophy’ and how he likes to play ‘high-level football that combines attacking play’, as he told Al Qadsiah’s website.

It’s apt timing, given the nonsense the Celtic supporters had to watch under Nancy.

“I was very happy with the performance,” said Rodgers.

“The effort from all the players was excellent. I liked the speed of our play, our ability to score, and the strong desire the players showed on the pitch.

“Our main focus was to achieve a balance between attack and defence. We learned a lot from the previous match, where we scored three goals but conceded two. We managed to keep a clean sheet, which is a very positive sign.

“We will stick to this style in every match. It reflects my football philosophy. I like to play high-level football that combines attacking play with strong defensive organisation in a balanced way.”

Name three players you would sell in the current Celtic side

Celtic huddle before the William Hill Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic
Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images

Rodgers and Nancy’s record at Celtic compared this season

Let’s be honest, this current Celtic squad is pretty poor, and even with Nancy out of the door, many of them will be sold.

A clearout and a makeover is needed. But this is how Rodgers’ 16 games at Celtic this season compare to Nancy’s ill-fated eight-game run.