Petrov urges Celtic to back Rodgers as contract winds down; Europe could define season

Stiliyan Petrov has urged Celtic to bend over backwards to keep Brendan Rodgers beyond next summer, arguing that the Parkhead manager deserves backing as his contract runs down. Rodgers' deal runs out at the end of the season and, despite questions about the club's transfer activity, he has hinted that he could extend his second spell at Celtic.

Petrov, a former Celtic midfielder, said: "Of course. I believe Brendan Rodgers deserves that. He’s a very good, strong coach who knows what he wants and he’s proven around the world how good he is as a manager." He added: "The club and fans should be proud that they have a strong manager who wants the best for the club."

Petrov’s remarks come as Celtic earned a dramatic 2-1 win at Kilmarnock last weekend, a result that offered relief but underscored questions about the squad’s depth and pace of development after a season in which European campaigns have provided a stern test. The club also crashed out of the Champions League play-off, a setback that has sharpened focus on whether the squad can deliver both domestic dominance and a meaningful run in Europe.

Rangers’ ongoing upheaval, including a takeover and a new managerial regime, was noted by Petrov as a reminder that Celtic cannot rest on past achievements. He cautioned that Celtic must keep improving, adding that adding quality players is essential to maintain supremacy at home while advancing in Europe. There are risks in pressing for incremental changes, he acknowledged, but argued that a strong manager should be afforded that leeway when the goal is long-term success for the club.

There is a belief within Celtic’s fanbase that European competition can define the season. Petrov said: "There’s always drama in Scotland. I completely understand that fans want Champions League football after some good performances last season, pushing Bayern Munich close. I think everyone expected Celtic to be in the Champions League this season on the back of that but it was really disappointing for the fans, and the pressure came from there. There’s nothing strange about that. When the fans demand success, new players and investment then that’s part of the game."

He added that the Europa League could act as a guiding compass for Celtic’s campaign: "The Europa League will be the compass of the season. If Celtic start well then everything can fall in place and the past will be all forgotten. You need consistency and you need wins. You have to be prepared and I think this team is ready. The excitement of Seb Tounekti can help. He has that creativity and trickery that Celtic need."

Looking ahead, Celtic travel to Firhill to take on Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals on Sunday before a trip to Belgrade on Wednesday night to face Red Star in their first Europa League group-stage match. The shock playoff exit to Kairat Almaty continues to sting, but Petrov believes Europe will be pivotal in shaping Celtic’s season, provided Rodgers receives the backing the former midfielder says the club owes him.