Rodgers backs Russell Martin amid criticism from Rangers backroom staff

Brendan Rodgers has defended Russell Martin amid a wave of criticism aimed at the Rangers manager, arguing that the moral dimension of the commentary should not be overlooked and that those critics were not so long ago sitting in similar positions of scrutiny. The Celtic boss suggested that some pundits who have weighed in on Martin’s early reign may have forgotten what it is like to manage under the spotlight at a high-profile club, and he urged observers to give the young head coach space to establish his method.

Rodgers did not name individuals, but it was clear from his comments that he was addressing the public criticism directed at Martin in the days leading up to a high-stakes league encounter. The Celtic manager said there is a danger in allowing conversation about tactics and team selections to become a personal attack, particularly when those offering critique have themselves occupied the same seat not long before. “I have some issues around the moral aspect when I see people commenting on how he’s doing, and not that long ago they were stood in his shoes or sat on the bench,” Rodgers said. “Everything is on him. He will be stronger for it. He’s got a bit of experience behind him at 39. I was 39 when I managed Liverpool so I know exactly what it’s like.”

Rodgers also stressed that taking a dim view of a manager’s decisions without understanding the context of the job could be counterproductive. He noted that Martin has inherited a Rangers side in transition and that the pressure of modern football—where every decision is dissected in real time—can become isolating for a manager trying to implement a plan under intense scrutiny. “This will make him stronger. You’ve just got to have that inherent belief in what you’re doing, believe in it, and hopefully then you get the opportunity to come through that,” he said.

The Celtic boss did not reference specific names, but the remarks come after Rangers’ interim period between Philippe Clement’s dismissal and Martin’s appointment, during which the club’s backroom staff also spoke publicly about their former colleagues. Barry Ferguson, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor led the Rangers setup in the interim phase and have since returned to punditry. Ferguson’s critique of Martin included a dig at a recent team-building exercise at Loch Lomond, which he dismissed as “skinny dipping,” while Dodds and McCann have also been forthright about the new manager’s methods. Rodgers indicated that he understood why managers in this position seek to analyse and critique, but he warned against letting opinions eclipse empathy for the challenges of leadership.

“Being a manager in this modern game and especially at the high-end clubs and the big pressure clubs, it’s a big challenge. Because all the eyes are on you. There’s hardly any time to breathe but you have to find a way,” Rodgers said. He recalled his own experiences with team-building and argued that such exercises are common and can yield benefits when used thoughtfully, even if they become a talking point in the press. “I see some of the stuff from during the week when the team went on a team-building exercise. Every team does that. In another time, if Russell does that and they had won a few games, everyone would be saying: ‘What a great idea.’”

Rodgers said he had recently conducted a similar exercise with his own squad, noting that his team-building sessions included partners and other staff and describing the experience as “really nice.” He added that the specifics of those activities should remain private, and that the broader point was to acknowledge the importance of camaraderie and resilience when a club is navigating turbulence. “We had a team-building exercise during the week with the players and the partners, wives and girlfriends — and it was really nice. Thankfully, you guys didn’t get to hear about it. I see the scrutiny that’s on Russell and whatever happens for him, he will be better for it.”

Rangers now face a tense weekend as fans protest against Martin’s leadership amid a difficult start to the season, one that left the club in a lower position in the Premiership table compared with Celtic. Rodgers’ remarks arrived ahead of a League Cup tie that has been framed by supporters as a test of Martin’s ability to shape a squad under pressure. He said that patience and room to breathe are part of the process for any young manager seeking to translate his ideas into results on the pitch, particularly in environments where the spotlight never fully dims.

In closing, Rodgers reiterated his respect for Martin as a person and a coach, underscoring the importance of perspective in evaluating a manager’s early tenure. “He’s a good man. He has done well with the clubs that he’s been at and has now taken on an opportunity to try and transform Rangers. So give him room to breathe.”