Dermot Desmond Criticizes Brendan Rodgers Amid Celtic Departure

Brendan Rodgers has left his position as manager of Celtic FC following sharp criticism from principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. In a statement laden with accusations, Desmond described Rodgers as “misleading, divisive, and self-serving,” highlighting tensions that have enveloped the club during the manager’s tenure. The departure, which marks Rodgers’ second mid-season exit, has raised questions about internal discord within the club.

Following Rodgers’ resignation, Celtic appointed former manager Martin O’Neill and ex-player Shaun Maloney as temporary replacements. The announcement comes after a disappointing series of results, including two consecutive defeats in the William Hill Premiership, the latest of which was a 2-0 loss to league leaders Hearts. This performance has left Celtic eight points off the pace in the title race.

In his statement, Desmond expressed profound disappointment with Rodgers’ communication and conduct in recent months, contrasting sharply with the trust placed in him when he was reappointed in 2023. “When we brought Brendan back to Celtic two years ago, it was done with complete trust and belief in his ability to lead the club into a new era of sustained success,” Desmond noted. “Unfortunately, his conduct and communication have not reflected that trust.”

Desmond revealed that discussions about a new contract for Rodgers took place as early as June 2023. He criticized the former manager for implying that the club had made no commitment to extend his contract, labeling such statements as “simply untrue.” The shareholder maintained that all player transactions during Rodgers’ tenure occurred with his full knowledge and endorsement, contradicting Rodgers’ public comments about feeling unsupported by the board.

Desmond stated, “He was given final say over all football matters and was consistently backed in the recruitment process — including record investments in players he personally identified and approved.” He emphasized that during a three-hour meeting with Rodgers, the manager failed to produce evidence of any obstruction from the club regarding player transfers or operational matters.

The fallout from Rodgers’ departure has not been limited to his management style; it has also exposed wider frustrations among fans about the club’s recent performance. The board took responsibility for their shortcomings following a disappointing Champions League playoff exit to Kairat Almaty and a lack of timely transfer activity.

Celtic’s transfer strategy has come under scrutiny, particularly following the sale of key players such as Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn. Critics argue that the club failed to adequately replace these individuals, which contributed to the team’s struggles. Only Shin Yamada, who had a modest record of two goals in 21 J-League appearances, was brought in before the crucial playoff match, raising concerns about his impact on the squad.

As the dust settles on this significant managerial change, many are left wondering what lies ahead for Celtic. Rodgers, who won 11 trophies with the club during his previous stint, returned in the summer of 2023 hoping to mend relations with supporters and make strides in European competitions. His tenure, however, ended in turmoil, culminating in a parting marked by sharp words from Desmond that have left a lasting impression on the club’s future direction.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Celtic as they seek to stabilize and recover from this upheaval. With O’Neill and Maloney at the helm temporarily, all eyes will be on how they can guide the team through this challenging period and restore faith among supporters.