Brendan Rodgers’ Classy Response to Russell Martin’s Rangers Struggles

Brendan Rodgers has defended Rangers boss Russell Martin ahead of Celtic’s League Cup quarter-final clash with Partick Thistle at Firhill on Sunday.

The Celtic manager voiced his concerns about how fellow coaches are judged in the modern game, stressing that criticism often comes too easily from those who should know better.

Martin has come under intense scrutiny after a difficult start to the season at Ibrox, with results and public comments sparking frustration among Rangers supporters. His leadership has been questioned in the media, with pundits highlighting tactics and selection as weaknesses.

Rodgers, however, offered his backing, suggesting that the pressures of managing a major club are being underestimated by critics. He described the role as a lonely one, where managers are scrutinised constantly and afforded little time to breathe.

Speaking to CeltsAreHere, Rodgers also defended Martin over reports of a team-building exercise, pointing out that such activities are common and only become a point of contention when results are not going well.

He said: “I have some issues around the moral aspect when I see people commenting on how well he is doing when not that long ago they were stood in his shoes or sat on the bench.

“So I don’t like that when I see a manager being pulled up on certain parts of the game, certain tactics of the game, that not so long ago other people couldn’t work that out either.

“Being a manager in this modern game especially at the high end, at big pressure clubs its a big challenge.

“Because all the eyes are on you, it can be a lonely place.

“The voices of safety are even less. There’s hardly any time to breathe but you have to find a way.

“I see some of the stuff from during the week when the team went on a team building exercise – you know every team does that.

“It’s like anything in life, its’ riming. another time, if the team had won a few games, everybody would say what a great idea.

“You know, you look as a manager for blocks of time when you can, we had a team building exercise during the week, with the team, the partners and their girlfriends and it was really nice.

“Thankfully you guys didn’t get to hear about it. But it happens. Whatever happens for him, he will be better for it.”

Rodgers’ backing comes as Martin deals with rising pressure at Ibrox, with some already questioning if he has a long-term future. The Celtic boss, however, reminded critics that every manager, no matter how successful, goes through tough spells.

The Hoops manager also pointed to the bond between coaches, who know the unique pressure that comes with managing in Glasgow. With both Celtic and Rangers under constant focus, Rodgers said understanding is needed more than criticism.

Even with the rivalry as fierce as ever, Rodgers’ defence of Martin shows the respect that comes with sharing the same responsibilities. He stressed that managers are too often judged harshly when patience and perspective are what’s really needed.

For Martin, the support may not ease the heavy scrutiny, but it serves as a reminder of the reality behind the noise. For Rodgers, these challenges are part of the process that helps shape stronger managers.