Brendan Rodgers addressed the Al-Qadsiah fanbase after overseeing his first outing at the helm of the Saudi side before leading his side to their first victory under the former Celtic boss on New Year’s Eve…
The Irishman began his tenure with a point in the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Qadsiah recovered from an early setback to draw 1–1 with Damac FC.
Speaking after his first match and before the league meeting with Al-Shabab on New Year’s Eve, which Al-Qadsiah won 3-2, Rodgers expressed his appreciation for the support shown in the stands.
He singled out a pre-match tifo dedicated to him – featuring his image alongside the message “We Are Behind You” – as a gesture he said was warmly received on his debut night in charge.
“I would like to thank the supporters and everyone for the welcome I received on my first game. The banner and everything that the supporters put up made me proud,” Rodgers said via Al-Qadsiah on X.
“My time here makes me determined to do well for Qadsiah because everyone has welcomed me well. I want to produce a football team that can play exciting attacking football. We saw a little bit of that in the first game.”
“Over these coming months, the team will get better and improve. This means we can be challenging at the top of the table.”
“I’m determined to do well for #AlQadsiah” ❤️
Hear from Brendan Rodgers 🎙️#AlQadsiah pic.twitter.com/A4MHDK9o97— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) December 29, 2025
Alongside Rodgers in Saudi is his long-term no.2 John Kennedy and former Celtic analyst Jack Lyons.
It is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr who sit top of the Saudi Pro League after 11 games on 31 points. Last season’s title winners Al Hilal sit two points behind the league leaders.
Rodgers’ side are in fifth place on 21 points, winning six of their opening 11, drawing three and losing twice.
The ex-Celtic manager will be aiming to break into the top three positions which would guarantee his team a place in the AFC Champions League.
Despondent Celts. Motherwell v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. 30 December 2025 Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Meanwhile the Celtic Board replacement for Brendan Rodgers, Wilfried Nancy leads Celtic into the first Glasgow Derby of 2026 on Saturday afternoon at Celtic Park, if he is still in situ.
Conor Spence
Happy New Year from everyone at The Celtic Star!
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