Brendan Rodgers has taken full responsibility for his decision to start Yang Hyun-jun in Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Dundee at Dens Park.
Yang has struggled to find form this season after a difficult few months both on and off the pitch, with a potential move away from Celtic collapsing late in the summer window. With the team short on natural right-wing options, Rodgers turned to the 21-year-old in an effort to add width and energy to Celtic’s attack.
However, the move failed to pay off as Celtic once again looked blunt in the final third. Yang struggled to make an impact before being replaced, and the team never found their rhythm in what became a frustrating afternoon for the champions.
Speaking post-match, Rodgers accepted that his selection choice didn’t work as intended but said it was his job to make those decisions and take ownership when they don’t deliver results.
He said: (TCW), “We’ve got Yang coming in on the side. It’s an area we know what we’re suffering in.
“He’s coming in to try and make an impact.
“It didn’t quite work for him and that’s on me.
“As you say, hindsight’s a great thing. You lose a game, you take the responsibility as the manager. I accept that.”
Rodgers’ comments show a manager willing to shoulder the blame rather than deflect it onto his players. His public backing of Yang, despite the winger’s poor display, suggests he’s trying to protect the young player’s confidence during a tough period.
The Celtic boss has made no secret of his frustration over the lack of options on the right-hand side of attack this season, and Yang’s struggles only underline how short the squad is in that area. Rodgers’ decision to start him was as much about necessity as it was about faith in his potential.
For supporters, the honesty in Rodgers’ post-match comments will be appreciated, even as concerns about squad depth continue to grow. His willingness to accept accountability reflects leadership under pressure, but it also highlights the challenges he faces with a thin attacking lineup.
Rodgers will now be hoping for a stronger response from both Yang and the team in the next match, as Celtic look to rediscover their fluency and confidence after a performance that fell far below expectations.
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5 responses
The single biggest mistake the Celtic board has made since Ange Potecoglou left Celtic, was to bring back Brendan Rodgers.
Not because of the way he had left before and backstabbed every Celtic fan, player and the club itself. But because when he came back, he did so under the illusion that it was Celtic that owed HIM, not HIM that owed CELTIC!
He came back determined to settle a personal vendetta with someone on the board! That is becoming more and more obvious with each passing day! We keep hearing about how Rodgers “loves” the club! I for one don’t buy that for a second! Maybe he did before, but now he only loves himself.
He is never accountable. Yet he is quick to blame players and the board. He ruined Scotlands three top scorers over the past two seasons! Kyogo, Maeda and Idah! Two gone and one can’t wait to go! He’s rued the best midfielder in Scotland! Hatate! Wasted £11M on Engels! £6M on Trusty! Won’t drop Kasper, even though he’s a liability!
Every manager knows our tactics and can block us!
He has no plan b!
He should never have been allowed back!
Is your surname Lawwell by any chance?
You do not speak for me
He did not back stab me I was sorry he left but that’s life I was glad to see him back so not all Celtic fans agree with you.
I hear that Brussels Sprout is lookin fur a noo team tae fail wae.
Huz tactics were quite transparent tae???
Mibbie come 2026 they will be fightin tae become Forrests nuu manager??
I hear Cfc Plc are replacin tha management nameplate wae a bit of cardboard, a short bit of string and 9/10ths empty chewed bookies pen.
In Emerald Green, wae a numberplated ‘L15-BON’ printed on it of course??
As certain ‘all singin and dancin’ amoeba braincelled fanz, may wish to buy their very own, limited addition, ‘Che Guevara Lynched’ boxed copies.
Celtic Plc, more difficult tae leave than tha Cosa Nostra.
Once yer in, only in death dae we part.
Like most investment scamz (‘your moniez are at risk.)
I
Are you a junkie or do you just write like one?
Absolute nonsense 😂