Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers spoke about his decision not to interfere with Al Qadsiah’s formation after taking over. The Irishman moved to the Saudi Pro League in a lucrative switch last month and has made an instant impression, including a win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
In a clip on social media in conversation with Al Qadsiah’s media team, Rodgers admitted that he did not have the players to implement his preferred 4-3-3, meaning that he has continued with the team’s preferred 3-5-2.
👀 Brendan Rodgers on not changing to his preferred formation at his new club too soon 👀
“Your tactics have to be based around the players you have”
“I don’t want to force it on to the players when there’s a different system and structure that can be very beneficial for us” pic.twitter.com/dqZFxUfPQD
— 4 Tims and a Podcast (@PodTims) January 12, 2026
Rodgers recognised the perils of changing the shape midway through the season when the team have not had the opportunity to adapt, reinforce with players to play that way. This shames the Celtic hierarchy who sanctioned a move for Wilfried Nancy. The arrival from Columbus Crew decided after just one training session to change the shape to 3-4-3 for a must win clash against Hearts. The manager persisted with this shape and Celtic suffered, losing the fine run of form that they found under Martin O’Neill.
The Frenchman replaced Rodgers as permanent manager but lasted just 33 days before he was sacked and replaced by interim boss O’Neill. The legendary Celtic manager came in after Rodgers and steadied the ship, winning seven out of eight games. It was clear that Rodgers was struggling given the lack of investment in the squad, which resulted in his decision to leave the club.
That whole debacle has resulted in significant pressure on Michael Nicholson, who faces enhanced calls to resign after appointing both Nancy and Paul Tisdale.
Rodgers’ record speaks for itself and the disastrous handling over the Nancy appointment has highlighted a number of issues that Rodgers spoke about. Rodgers kept silent despite a shocking personal attack via the club’s website from major shareholder Dermot Desmond.
No-one that really cares about Celtic gives two hoots what this piece of garbage has to say! He is a liar, a pure puece of scum who is 100% responsible for all the problems caused at the club since his return, and second removal
Brendan Rodgers was of no interest to any club in the UK for very good reason! It was clear and obvious to everyone who mattered that this is a person without a shred of integrity.
No club in Europe wanted anything to do with him! He’ll be happy to bleed a club in the Emirates for a short time because he is all about money. But like Gerrard was, he’s going to be exposed quickly.
He is a liar and a rat.
The board and their corporate greed are to blame ,stop giving them your money
I must be “elite” tae then as i hae enough common sense that i wouldnae fuck aboot like daft Nancy boy