Rodgers criticises Celtic recruitment and communications after summer transfer failures

Brendan Rodgers delivered a pointed assessment of Celtic’s summer transfer window and the club’s handling of communications on Friday, saying the recent events left him “empty” but that he would continue to work with the players at his disposal.

Speaking to a larger-than-usual press corps at Lennoxtown, Rodgers accused an unnamed individual who briefed against him to a newspaper of committing a “cowardly act” and said the club should try to identify the source. He rejected suggestions that the turmoil made him consider leaving, saying: “No, it didn’t make me think to walk away. I just felt empty, if I’m honest.”

Rodgers repeated his frustration at how the recruitment process unfolded over the summer. He said Adam Idah was allowed to leave for Swansea City without a replacement being in place and that, although Kelechi Iheanacho joined as a free agent later in the window, the departures and late arrivals undermined the squad. Rodgers described timing of investment and recruitment as an area that “most definitely” needed review.

The manager also addressed a 1,030-word anonymous statement issued by the club last week that many supporters found unsatisfactory. The document, which attempted to explain the club’s financial and transfer position, was criticised by fans and is understood to have intensified anger among the supporter base. Rodgers said he was not the person to answer questions about the statement but acknowledged the episode highlighted shortcomings in the club’s communications. “I’ve always believed that the quality of your life is the quality of your communication,” he said.

Supporters planned to stage a protest ahead of Celtic’s Premiership match at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock, a response that the manager said he understood. “I’m not here to tell supporters how to feel,” Rodgers said. “They feel frustrated. They will have every right to feel that.”

The recriminations follow a damaging European exit. Celtic were eliminated from Champions League qualifying by Kairat Almaty after failing to score over 210 minutes across the tie and losing on penalties. That result, combined with a lacklustre performance at Ibrox, intensified calls for multiple offensive reinforcements before the window closed. By the end of the transfer period, Rodgers said Sebastian Tounekti was the only clear addition and that the club had not been “ready” to meet the squad’s needs earlier in the summer.

Rodgers said he remained committed to improving matters on the pitch and that he would seek to “maximise the best of what you have,” a principle he said has guided him throughout his career. He confirmed he planned to speak with chief executive Michael Nicholson and said he had respect for club backer Dermot Desmond. Rodgers left open the possibility of extending his contract beyond 2026 but said he would want assurances from the board before committing to stay.

On player matters, Rodgers indicated Daizen Maeda — who was linked with moves during the window and was not permitted to leave because no replacement had been secured — remained committed to the club and was available for selection at Rugby Park. Rodgers said he had spoken with Maeda and believed the forward would recommit to the team. He added that Anthony Ralston was sidelined and that Kieran Tierney had just returned to training.

Rodgers repeatedly framed the issues as operational and structural rather than personal. He said the club’s overall business model was “highly successful” but that it must be aligned more closely with football operations, particularly timing and planning for recruitment. He urged the club to learn from the summer and to ensure the football model and the board’s decisions were better matched to avoid a repeat of the recent fallout.

Celtic face immediate pressure on the field as supporters and the club await the outcome of the planned protest and look for improved performances in domestic competition. Rodgers said his ambition remained for the club and its supporters, and that his focus now was on working with the squad he has to try to deliver results.

"I want Celtic to be the very best that it can be," he said. "My ambition is for the club, for our supporters, for the players."