Brendan Rodgers’ future at Celtic is going to consistently be in the spotlight the poorer the side are.
It certainly doesn’t get much worse than the display put in against Kilmarnock today. The Hoops lost 2-1 at Rugby Park despite being 1-0 ahead heading into half-time. Goals from Chris Burke and Stuart Findlay condemned the Hoops to their second defeat of the season.
Yet, as alarming as that was for supporters, the comments afterwards from Rodgers would’ve been just as frustrating.
Speaking on the performance and Celtic’s early-season woes, Rodgers told the BBC the following.
“When you are a huge club, the demand is to win. In the last couple of years we’ve done that really well and playing in a style that is synonymous with the club. It hasn’t been the same but we have to work to make it better.
“It’s a poor result for us but we have to go away now and take our medicine and get ready for Wednesday. To lose the game is disappointing. We just have to continue to work. There are probably a number of reasons for it but we have to stick together.
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“You can only ever do your best; that’s what we always say to the players. But we can be much better.”
Worst football in years
As difficult as it is to admit for us, this is the worst we’ve played under any manager in years. Even Ronny Deila would look at the football Celtic now play and know that things need changed.
We encouraged Rodgers to act on his words about changing things up last week. He did so and made five changes for the side that faced Killie today. Fair play to him for that, as it’s clear he listened to the supporters and played the players we all wanted to start.
Now, however, you’re starting to wonder whether he even knows how to get rid of this slump.
Comments made over the weekend saw Rodgers confirm that he believed the slump could go on all season. If that happens, Celtic will lose the league fairly convincingly.
At the moment, the big concern is that the manager is making a lot of odd statements. Not statements that you would expect a man of Rodgers’ class and composure to come out with.
It smacks of concern from him, and it’s clear he’s feeling the unease and tension around the support. So far, the manager has failed to sort out the issues plaguing Celtic. If it continues, then we should now start to be worried about what’s left to come this season.
At the time of writing, Rangers are 5-1 in front against St Johnstone just days after drawing in Villarreal. To sum up, they’re a good side who need to be respected. If they aren’t Celtic will lose the league and it’s as simple as that.
Rodgers has tried to change formation and personnel, yet still can’t find the formula to end the slump. If it’s not found soon, we’re in big trouble.