Brendan Rodgers demands 'cowardly' insider leave Celtic after critical media leak

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has called for the person who briefed a media report suggesting he was trying to "engineer his way out" of his contract to leave the club, describing the action as "cowardly." The remarks came as Rodgers defended his record and insisted he would be open to extending his deal despite admitting the recent transfer window had left him feeling "empty."

The article, published last week by the Scottish Sun and widely reported, attributed comments to an unnamed insider at Parkhead who said senior figures feared Rodgers had ambitions to exit before his contract runs until next summer. It also suggested the manager's public frustrations about transfer business had "torn the club apart." Rodgers told reporters he was not surprised by the leak but called it a betrayal of trust and said the person responsible should consider their position.

"My honest take is I thought it was a cowardly action by whoever it is," Rodgers said, adding that he is "thick skinned" and determined to drive the club forward. He named majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and chief executive Michael Nicholson among those he communicates with daily and said he did not expect such criticism from within the boardroom. "If you're sat in the position that I'm in with the weight of the club on your shoulders ... it's so important you feel supported," he said.

Rodgers acknowledged the transfer window "could have been better for us" and that the club's failure to reach the Champions League added to the pressure. He described carrying the responsibility for transfers and results as weighing on him, but said the experience had not made him contemplate leaving. "The first time I was here, I probably left because of that [frustration at lack of backing]. But I won't be doing that this time. Absolutely no chance - 100%."

The summer window saw the departures of forwards Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn, while Jota's return has been hampered by injury. New arrivals include striker Kelechi Iheanacho, Tunisia international Sebastian Tounekti, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Benjamin Nygren, with Rodgers noting Nygren is the only signing to have made a notable impact so far. Supporters have expressed frustration at perceived shortcomings in recruitment, particularly in attack.

Rodgers said he expected questions to be asked about the detail contained in the leaked article and disputed parts of the story. "There was quite a bit of detail in there - and wrong I may add," he said. He insisted his focus remains on improving the squad and results for the club and its supporters, and confirmed he would consider a contract extension despite the recent frustrations.

The episode underscores internal tensions at Celtic after a season that fell short of European expectations and a transfer window that attracted scrutiny from fans and media alike. Rodgers took charge with the stated aim of returning Celtic to top form domestically and in Europe, and his public call for accountability from within the club reflects mounting pressure for clearer communication and cohesion between management, board members and staff.

Celtic officials have not publicly identified the source of the leak. The club faces ongoing scrutiny over recruitment strategy and its ability to compete financially with rival clubs as it seeks to stabilise performance on the field and rebuild confidence off it.