It seems a long time ago that Brendan Rodgers was in the Celtic dugout.
But while Celtic went on to win a domestic double under Martin O’Neill, in one of the most dramatic and chaotic seasons in recent history, Rodgers started a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
The Treble-winning hero made the surprise call to become Al Qadsiah’s new coach.
To nobody’s surprise, the Irishman went on a crazy unbeaten run in the Middle East, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr reigned supreme and became champions.
Did Brendan Rodgers play ‘boring’ football in his second spell?
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Brendan Rodgers’ record in the Saudi Pro League
Regardless of the standard of the Saudi Pro League, one thing is for sure: it has some star-studded names, including several former Hoops stars.
Rodgers reunited with Moussa Dembele, who plays for Al-Ettifaq, years after the striker’s public outburst at his then-manager.
That contest proved to be Rodgers’ first defeat as Al Qadsiah boss, who was unbeaten in his first 17 matches, before Dembele ruined that party.
Not only did Dembele score, but so did former Celtic player Jack Hendry, as Al Qadsiah’s surprise and late title charge took a hit.
Rodgers would win 13 of his first 17 matches, as that game against Al-Ettifaq was his only defeat from 25 matches.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals scored | Goals conceded |
| 25 | 18 | 6 | 1 | 67 | 25 |
Timeline of what happened after Rodgers left Celtic
What’s interesting is that Rodgers hasn’t publicly addressed his exit from Celtic.
Even though Rodgers was a success in Glasgow, Dermot Desmond made sure he left in the most unpleasant of terms.
Nonetheless, this was the timeline of what happened when Rodgers departed in October:
- October 27th, 2025: Rodgers leaves Celtic
- November, 2025: Rodgers is linked with several Premier League jobs
- December 16th, 2025: Rodgers appointed Al Qadsiah coach
- December 27th, 2025: Rodgers’ first game at Al Qadsiah
- December 31st, 2025: Rodgers wins first games at Al Qadsiah
- January, 2026: Rodgers becomes the first Al Qadsiah manager to go unbeaten in his first six matches.
- April, 2026: Rodgers tipped for Saudi Arabia national job ahead of World Cup
- April, 2026: Rodgers loses first match
- May, 2026: Saudi Pro League concludes, and Al Qadsiah finish fourth
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