BRENDAN RODGERS admits he understands the fans’ annoyance, but is calling for unity to take Celtic forward.
The Hoops hierarchy are under fire from disgruntled followers after what they believe has been a disappointing transfer window plus a dreadful Champions League exit to a team ranked 311th in UEFA ratings.
Supporters’ groups will stay away from the first 12 minutes of the champions’ Premiership encounter with Kilmarnock in tomorrow’s 3pm kick-off at Rugby Park.
There is an ongoing threat of boycotting the forthcoming four Europa League game at Parkhead.
Plus there was also an angry reaction to the club’s statement last weekend that defended the actions of the board while pointing the finger of blame elsewhere, including the media.
Asked about the fans’ vehement response, Rodgers answered: “I understand the frustration. But I also know the quicker we can become one and come together, that’s where the strength lies in Celtic.
“Everyone together, fighting for the one cause, that’s the power of Celtic.
“I’m pretty sure the guys on our board won’t want this, either. I hope we can find a solution that can get everyone together again.”
Quizzed about the perceived lack of activity in transfer window, the Hoops gaffer, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “I think the business model of the club is highly successful.
“What we have to marry that in with is the football. Not just investment, timing of investment.
“It was clear what we needed, and we needed it early.
“We had these qualification games. Summer 2025 was a critical window for us to get players in to be ready for these games, and we weren’t ready.
“That made me leave last time. This time I won’t do that, 100 per cent.
“I said 150 per cent a few weeks ago, so I’ll go back to that! It didn’t make me think of walking way, I just felt empty, if I’m honest.”
A national newspaper broke a back page story a week ago that a club insider claimed Rodgers was “trying to engineer his exit” following a rift with the board over involvement during the window.
He said: “It was interesting when I was shown that. My honest take? I thought it was a cowardly action from whoever it is.
“Was I surprised by it? Not really. I was briefed upon the last time I was here, when I left, and now that I’ve come back. No. I don’t think there’s any doubt.
“If you are sitting where I am with the weight I have on my shoulders, it’s so important to feel supported.
“The club put out a statement and I’m not here to answer those questions because they are not mine. Over the coming weeks, it will become clear how that evolves.
“I’m not here to tell supporters how to feel. I know it, I feel it because I grew up with it, I know that the demands are. Supporters want to see the club develop not just domestically, we have to be looking to perform better in Europe.
Images courtesy Celtic TV
“The quality of your life is the quality of your communication. After this summer that is something the club will most definitely look at. My thoughts currently are purely on getting the team back playing with our identity again.”
Rodgers added: “There’s been a lot of uncertainty and instability; we accept it could have been better for us, but now the window is behind us.
“My job as manager is to pull everything together and get us moving again.
“We have to accept and take responsibility that the window wasn’t what we wanted.
“I believe we have talented players in the squad. It is what it is, you cannot look back on it now.”
