“Why does this always happen with Rodgers?” Paul Slane posed. Why indeed…

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The Celtic Star

·30 juillet 2025

“Why does this always happen with Rodgers?” Paul Slane posed. Why indeed…

When Paul Slane posed the question on Open Goal — “Why does this always happen with Rodgers?” — it may have come from a place of genuine curiosity. Or, as some Celtic supporters might reasonably wonder, it might also echo sentiments that have been softly planted across media channels linked to the boardroom — the very issue The Celtic Star raised in our recent article on board-friendly outlets subtly shifting blame onto the manager.

Let’s address Slane’s question, not just with another opinion, but with some context…

Yes, this does tend to happen when Brendan Rodgers is at Celtic. Not because of some managerial flaw, but because Rodgers, unlike many others, won’t suffer quietly when ambition is capped. The signs were there in his first spell. And they’re back now, clear as day, if you’re willing to look.

Vidéos OneFootball

Take his recent comments on Inamura. One minute he’s trialist-like, the next he’s “part of the plans.” Is that indecision? Or is that a subtle warning shot to the board —

“This isn’t the plan I signed up for.”

Marco Tilio of Celtic Sporting Lisbon v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, Estadio Algarve, Portugal – 16 July 2025 Estadio Algarve Portugal Photo Carlos Rodrigues – Shutterstock

Then look at the Marco Tilio saga that’s broken overnight. A done deal to Rapid Vienna, pulled back at the last minute. Why? Because Celtic currently lack both the quantity and quality in the wide areas — arguably the most crucial positions in Rodgers’ tactical blueprint.

Is Tilio really a Celtic player? Probably not, if we’re being honest. But can Rodgers afford to let him go right now, just days before the season begins, when he’s short in exactly those positions? No — he simply can’t. And who’s to blame for that? Not the manager. It’s the lack of preparedness, the failure to plan, and a recruitment structure that leaves us reacting instead of building.

Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell and Chief Executive Michael Nicholson in the directors box. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Cinch Scottish Premiership, 17 February 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The silence from the club around transfer strategy has been deafening. Contrast this with Hearts, whose CEO recently went on record with their club media outlining clear plans. That transparency filters through to the fans and media alike. At Celtic, it’s radio silence. Why? Because any whiff of strategy might lead to accountability — and for some in the Celtic boardroom, that’s a level of scrutiny they’ve long avoided.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There’s a reason Rodgers is making noise. It’s not just about this transfer window. It’s about avoiding déjà vu. He’s still haunted — as many fans are — by that night in Munich last season. Seconds away from extra time against Bayern in their own backyard, and we fell short… without Kyogo, who was never replaced after his January departure to Rennes.

UEFA Champions League Celtic Glasgow vs Young Boys Bern, Celtic Park. Goal celebration by Kyogo Furuhashi however VAR rules out the goal. Photo Joeran Steinsiek IMAGO

Ask yourself: how many times have you replayed that scenario in your head? Brendan has. And he’s not willing to roll those dice again. Rodgers isn’t saying these things just to stir unrest. He’s signalling, to the fans and perhaps more pointedly to the board:

“Don’t make me work miracles again with one hand tied behind my back.”

He sees the possibilities — not just domestic dominance, but meaningful European progress. That’s not a pipedream. It’s a belief rooted in last season’s narrow margins. But to take that next step, Rodgers needs backing, not briefing against him in the media.

Celtic FC coach Brendan Rodgers issues instructions to his players during the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

And here’s where the cynicism sets in. When a contributor like Slane — whose boss is the chairman’s son — makes a pointed dig at the manager, is it a genuine opinion, or is it part of a softly-delivered message from a board keen to dodge criticism? The same board that The Celtic Star previously warned may be using select outlets to subtly shift blame away from themselves?

Someone should tell them that fan media has moved on leaps and bounds and that that particular old ship has sailed years ago. It’s an irrelevance.

Niall J

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

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