Celtic midfielder admits sadness at Brendan Rodgers departure | OneFootball

Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren has admitted sadness after Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation. The Irishman walked away from his role with the Scottish Champions after the defeat to Hearts in Edinburgh.

Nygren, who was signed in the summer, spoke during international duty about his thoughts on Rodgers, explaining that he was a big reason he switched Nordsjaelland for Celtic Park.

“I was sad that Brendan Rodgers left because I liked him and think he is a really good manager. He was a big reason why I went to Celtic.

“I got a really good feeling for him.

“But I have had a lot of managers in my career and I will probably have even more.

Brendan Rodgers of Celtic and Benjamin Nygren of Celtic Celtic Training Session and press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 23 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock

“I focus on what I can do and contribute what I can on the pitch.

“And the reason I believe we will turn the negativity around is because we are the best team in the country.”

Nygren will have a big part to play this season in order to help Celtic get back to the summit of the table. It remains to be seen if and when Wilfried Nancy will take control after Martin O’Neill’s impressive interim spell.

Nygren missed a great chance for Celtic to take the lead at Tynecastle in what turned out to be Rodgers’ last game in charge. It was a real sliding doors moment for Celtic and Rodgers as the manager sought to unify the club with crisis talks with the Celtic Board. This wasn’t forthcoming and he resigned.

O’Neill has come in and settled the squad with Celtic gaining ground on league leaders Hearts and securing their place in the Premier Sports Cup Final after a victory over Rangers in the Semi Final.