Brendan Rodgers’ fiery pre-match press conference on Friday has sparked major debate over the direction of Celtic, with journalists questioning whether a power struggle has now erupted behind the scenes at Parkhead.

The Irishman, who insisted he wants to stay longer in Glasgow but only if the club matches his ambition, appeared to draw a line in the sand when it came to the board’s support. His comments have been widely interpreted as a challenge to those above him.

Among those dissecting the situation were Keith Jackson and Michael Gannon, with Gannon having been present at the press conference. Both agreed Rodgers has forced the issue into the spotlight and that it will demand action from majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

The discussion centred on whether Rodgers and Peter Lawwell can realistically continue to coexist, and whether the board can meet the demands Rodgers has laid out so publicly.

Jackson said: (Hotline LIVE),“It now feels like a power struggle, and the two are very unlikely to coexist long-term at Celtic. This is something Dermot Desmond will have to step in on and back one man or the other.”

To which Gannon responded: “Pretty much, it was 32 minutes of ‘back me or sack me.’ That’s what it boiled down to.

”For the first time he actually said, ‘I’d love to stay longer.’ But the caveat was clear — the club has to match his ambition and align with his vision.

”Rodgers carved his own island, planted his flag, and the fans joined him. He’s boxed the board in.”

Jackson would then end the debate by questioning if Rodgers and Lawwell could continue to work together.

He said: “It’s a bit unedifying… when you think about what Peter Lawwell has contributed and the trophies that have piled up during his stints, both as chief executive and chairman.

”Then you get Brendan Rodgers, an excellent manager who keeps Celtic at the top domestically and wants to do better.

”And now it feels like a shootout. One head has to roll.”

The comments underline the scale of the divide that now appears to exist at Parkhead. Rodgers has made it clear that his long-term future hinges on full backing, while the board are under pressure to demonstrate they share his vision.

For Desmond, the decision may prove pivotal. The Irish billionaire has always prided himself on maintaining stability at Celtic, but Rodgers’ public stance means that fence-sitting is no longer an option.

Supporters have largely rallied behind the manager, especially in light of frustrations over recent transfer windows and growing tensions with the boardroom. That puts further pressure on Lawwell’s position.

With Celtic back on top of the Premiership table, the focus should be on football. But Rodgers’ press conference has made clear that unless alignment is found quickly, the story of the season could be written just as much off the pitch as on it.