Chris Sutton has pondered whether things may get ‘ugly’ at Paradise for Brendan Rodgers so soon after his recent re-appointment.
Rodgers’ return hasn’t been as smooth as he hoped it would have been. By no means did Brendan give the impression that he thought it would be, as the lingering memories of his exit still weighed in many people’s minds. In any case, in an attempt to ease the troubled minds of the Celtic support, Brendan assured everyone that he would remain at Parkhead for the duration of his contract and doesn’t intend to take any exits that may be open to him. He also told his critics within the Celtic support that he’d see them outside the front door of Celtic Park in May, to celebrate the title win.
However, although the start to the season still sees Celtic at the top of the league, it seems that recent results or performances haven’t quite met the expectations of many. Ange Postecoglou’s successful Treble run last season put a lot of expectation on this Celtic squad to perform this season, but with the defeat to Kilmarnock in the League Cup, and the subsequent draw at home to St Johnstone, many Celtic fans have been left frustrated.
Although the season has only just begun and were only a few games in, any hope for a Treble has already been crushed by the defeat to Kilmarnock.
Furthermore, Celtic’s performance against St Johnstone was underwhelming, to say the least, with pockets of Celtic fans booing at the end. It is understandable that the squad may be struggling to adapt to Brendan and his tactics, as ‘Ange-Ball’ may still be drilled into them, but the poor results may affect Brendan’s already fragile relationship with the fans. Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 what he thinks of the developing situation.
“It’s massive. I remember when you put it to me about Brendan Rodgers returning and I said ‘Absolutely no chance.’ Anyway, he’s gone back there and it’s getting a little bit…dare I say ‘ugly?’
“Just because of Celtic’s iffy start to the season. They’re top of the league but I’m just telling you there are Celtic supporters who probably were quiet because he was the best candidate to take the job. But with the way he left before, it could turn ugly pretty quickly especially if they get walloped at Ibrox. They haven’t done anywhere near enough work in the transfer market in terms of signings.”
It seems Brendan is in need of a result, and next weekend could be a ‘make-or-break’ moment in Brendan’s second stint in charge at Celtic. Although the past few games haven’t given the desired results, what better way to right the wrongs and get this season back on track by taking down theRangers at Ibrox?
Morning Gossip: A move for striker Mathias Kvistgaarden from Brondby could be back on with a fee of up to €6m being mentioned. Welcome to Luis Palma our new number 7 signing hopefully today. John Kennedy is on the shortlist for the Hibernian gig. HH pic.twitter.com/PQp1rdRVum
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) August 29, 2023