In the wake of Celtic’s defeat to Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup, many have been quick to point fingers and assign blame.

However, former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew has come forward to defend manager Brendan Rodgers, urging fans and critics alike to adopt a more realistic perspective.

Mulgrew, who has seen the ups and downs at Celtic Park firsthand, emphasised the importance of patience as Rodgers works to imprint his vision on the team. “We need to be realistic,” Mulgrew stated on Clyde 1 Super Scoreboard, highlighting the transitional phase the club is currently navigating. “Rodgers needs to get his own stamp on the team and get more signings in.”

Drawing attention to the similarities between Rodgers and his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, Mulgrew noted, “He’s got a lot of the same principles as Ange in the way he wants to press.” He further elaborated on Rodgers’ tactical approach, recalling the manager’s previous tenure at the club: “He showed it last time he was here, he wants to pass the ball from the back but he’s obviously got a few tweaks and he needs to get his players in that fit his system.”

Mulgrew’s comments may well be right, and Brendan Rodgers will require time, the right personnel, and a conducive environment to implement a specific vision, but it’s Celtic he’s at. Time isnt something that a manager gets in Glasgow; they must hit the ground running and deliver success to the team.

There’s no doubting Rodgers’ quality as a manager, but he has a big ten days ahead if he’s to bring in a few more players.