After today’s comments in the Daily Record, is Brendan Rodgers closer to walking than originally thought?
The Hoops manager once again slammed the defence in the media after a dreadful 1-1 draw against Suduva. Celtic’s failure to win in Lithaunia thanks to a defensive howler incensed the manager and supporters post-match.
It appears the reaction from Rodgers wasn’t knee-jerk either. After all, why should it be considering the continuing defensive blunders that continue to halt the club’s progress.
However, his latest comments will seriously concern fans regarding his commitment to the job.
Speaking today, Rodgers continued to criticise his back-line, and demanded improvement once more.
There’s no way to dress it up. You have to defend better, you have to take pride in it, and action it. Defensively, it’s a collective part of the game, but when you look at the simplicity of the goals we’ve conceded, that’s been the biggest disappointment. Defensively, it’s a collective part of the game, but when you look at the simplicity of the goals we’ve conceded, that’s been the biggest disappointment.
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What’s so concerning about these comments is the new approach Rodgers seems to have taken. Despite consistently defending his players during his two years in charge, the manager has no shield for his back-line.
It appears its open season with regards to the defence for supporters and the media. Usually when this happens, the manager would then come out and defend his players.
However, in recent times, Rodgers has shown a real lack of care for the thoughts of his back-line. Even though they haven’t been playing at their best, the manager needs to put an arm around them in public.
Old-fashioned theorists would have you believe this is the right thing to do. Have a go at your players and that’ll get a reaction from them.
However, this is 2018, and footballers are a lot more delicate than they used to be. It’s no wonder that through Rodgers’ criticism, the defence has continued to let mistakes cost Celtic. They’ve now gone six games without a clean sheet.
It’s not like Rodgers to come out and fail to defend his players in the media. Doing it behind closed-doors is another matter.
It makes you wonder whether the Northern Irishman still has the heart for the job. Whether he still has the fight in him to turn it around once more and prove doubters wrong.
It could be the case that Rodgers is simply fed up of mollycoddling his troops. After everything he’s been through as manager, the Hoops boss is sick of sticking by players that aren’t repaying him.
However, regardless of which is the answer, this is a different approach from Rodgers.
Celtic have a huge couple of weeks ahead. Hamilton, Suduva, and Rangers all visit Celtic Park over the next week.
Rodgers remains at the helm for now, but judging by his latest comments, the double-treble winner is running out of patience.