Rodgers Wins the PR Battle – Now Celtic Must Deliver on the Pitch

Brendan Rodgers has handled a turbulent week as well as any Celtic manager could. Under fire from his own boardroom and with supporters voicing their discontent, the Irishman played the media game superbly. Calm, composed and even defiant at times, he ensured the focus stayed on his determination to get Celtic back on track.

But now comes the part that really matters: Kilmarnock vs Celtic at Rugby Park on Sunday afternoon. Rodgers’ ability to navigate press briefings is one thing; proving on the park that his team can adapt is another entirely. Right now, Celtic’s system is not getting the best out of the players at his disposal, and the Ayrshire side will punish more of the same.

Brendan Rodgers Friday Celtic Press Conference 

• Transfer window frustration – Rodgers admits it “could have been better” and shares fan anger at late scrambling for deals.

• Striker situation – Adam Idah left unexpectedly, replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho, who Rodgers says can be a “big plus” for Celtic.

• Fans vs board – Acknowledged supporter frustration and protests, but stresses his focus is pulling the squad together.

• Rodgers’ future – Denies considering walking away, insists he’s “100%” committed, but says long-term stay depends on ambition aligning.

• Communication & planning – Calls for better timing in transfer business and improved engagement with supporters going forward.

Kieran Tierney is a prime example. Since returning to the club, the Scotland international hasn’t yet had the influence many expected. His trademark bursts forward and creative overlaps have been limited, partly by Rodgers’ current setup. Instead of driving the team on, Tierney has looked restrained, caught between defensive caution and attacking expectation. If Celtic are to get the best out of him, Rodgers needs to tweak his structure to allow Tierney the licence to dictate down the left-hand side.

The wider issue is Celtic’s struggle to play through and break down well-organised low blocks. Opponents are sitting in, cutting off central channels, and forcing the Hoops into sterile sideways possession. Too often, the ball is recycled without penetration, leaving Rodgers’ men blunt in the final third. Against a disciplined side, that is a recipe for frustration.

The manager has to make something happen. That could mean introducing a double pivot to help recycle possession faster and free up creative midfielders higher up the pitch. It could mean using wide men like Balikwisha and Tounekti to isolate defenders and take them on 1v1, stretching games and opening space for Kelechi Iheanacho inside the box.

It might also mean taking a step back from his preferred 4-3-3 for certain fixtures. A more pragmatic 4-2-3-1, or even a switch to a back three, could suit the squad better until everyone finds rhythm. Rodgers has always prided himself on his tactical flexibility – now is the moment to show it.

Having steadied the narrative off the pitch, he now needs to show he can steady the ship on it. Supporters will forgive a bad week at the podium if Celtic get it right on the park, but the reverse is never true. At Rugby Park, Rodgers must prove that his team can evolve, entertain and win.