Brendan Rodgers took centre stage at today’s Celtic press conference at Lennoxtown, delivering his trademark blend of honesty and directness. Since returning for his second spell as manager, Rodgers has consistently avoided tropes, preferring to tackle questions head-on. Today was no different, and his comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, particularly regarding Celtic’s record signing, Arne Engels.
Engels has faced criticism early in his Celtic career, much of it centred around the hefty price tag that accompanied his move. While his performances have been mixed, some fans have gone as far as calling for him to be dropped from the starting XI. Rodgers, however, was quick to defend the Belgian midfielder, acknowledging that while Engels hasn’t “hit the ground running,” he is confident the player will develop and succeed in the long term.
The Celtic boss also drew a comparison to Portuguese midfielder Bernardo, who struggled to make an impact after joining the club on loan last season. Rodgers reminded those in attendance that Bernardo’s early performances had many writing him off—until he delivered a stunning goal in the Winter Derby against Rangers. “That’s development,” Rodgers stated, highlighting the importance of patience and the role of coaching in turning potential into consistent performances.
Rodgers also referenced Nicolas Kuhn, another player who initially struggled but has started to show his value. The manager’s message was clear: players need time and support to adapt, especially at a club with the high expectations of Celtic.
The press conference clips, particularly Rodgers’ defence of Engels, quickly gained traction on X, with many fans and media outlets amplifying his remarks, which now has the Celtic manager trending on the app. The debate rages on, but much of the online reaction has sided with Rodgers, recognising the logic in giving Engels the time to prove his worth.
While fans will always debate team selection and form, Rodgers’ forthright defence of his players reminds everyone of the bigger picture—development takes time, and writing off a player too early is rarely the answer.
You can watch his full press conference here.
