Charlie Mulgrew has praised Brendan Rodgers after Celtic’s emphatic 4-0 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill, revealing what struck him most in their post-match conversation.
The former Celtic defender was left impressed by the manager’s mindset and approach, highlighting why Rodgers commands such respect from players.
The result against Thistle came amid ongoing protests from sections of the Celtic support, but on the pitch Rodgers’ side looked composed and ruthless. Mulgrew believes that attitude comes directly from the manager’s insistence on avoiding complacency, no matter the opponent or occasion.
Rodgers’ record in domestic cup competitions has also caught Mulgrew’s eye. Losing only twice across multiple campaigns, the Celtic boss has built a reputation for keeping his players sharp and ensuring standards remain high.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “We spoke to him. I’m just really impressed with him. I told him yesterday that I’d spoken to players who had worked under him, like Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig, and I asked what makes the difference, why he’s the best manager they’ve worked under. And it’s basically how he guards against complacency.
“I’m always impressed with his cup record, he’s only ever lost two games in the cup. And every single game, he’s like, it doesn’t matter what the result is, it’s about moving on to the next one and not letting anything get carried away.
“It doesn’t matter how big the game is or how good the result is, like yesterday, it’s straight on to the next game and being in the moment. That’s impressive.
“You’ll be delighted to see the window shut, keeping some players like Maeda and adding Tounekti. And yeah, this is the start of a big few months coming up.”
Mulgrew’s comments show why Rodgers remains such a respected figure in Scottish football. His ability to refocus players and maintain high standards has been a hallmark of his management.
The timing of Celtic’s strong performance also gives Rodgers momentum as the team prepares for upcoming European fixtures. With new additions like Sebastian Tounekti beginning to make an impact, expectations around the squad are growing.
Mulgrew stressed that Rodgers’ strength lies in balancing short-term results with long-term consistency. By guarding against complacency, he ensures the team continues to progress regardless of external noise.
As Celtic prepare for a crucial run of games, Mulgrew’s words reflect the confidence Rodgers inspires. For him, the club is entering a decisive period where the manager’s leadership will be more vital than ever.
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