It was the return of the Brendan Rodgers chant on Sunday, as Celtic cruised to victory over Hearts in Edinburgh.
The scenes were a stark contrast to the reception he received four years ago when he left Celtic for Leicester City. The display of admiration for Rodgers was a first since his return to Parkhead in June, highlighting a significant shift in fans’ sentiments.
The Green Brigade ultras group, after his exit, displayed a banner at Gorgie ground which read, “You traded immortality for mediocrity – never a Celt, always a fraud.” This sentiment was a reflection of the raw emotions many felt after Rodgers’ departure.
Despite the acrimonious exit, Rodgers highlighted his remarkable achievements during his initial tenure with Celtic, which included consecutive domestic trebles. These accomplishments seemed to have been overshadowed by the manner of his exit, especially as he geared up for the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Speaking on the scenes on Sunday, he said: [The Herald]
“For some, I was erased out of the history of the club because of how I left,” he said. “So probably what I did before really hasn’t counted for anything.
“For me to come back here was to start again and have that hunger and ambition to win, and win in a style that the club and the supporters have been used to, that’s been great for me. I respond to that kind of challenge. I’ve been relishing it from the very first day. Step by step, we’re getting close to where we want to be.”
Calling out the “irony”, the boss said: “The irony being the last time with the banner at Hearts. But listen, it’s all about winning games. However long I’m here, and whatever we win, everyone may not be onside. That’s okay. As long as the team gets the support then that’s really the most important thing.
“Of course, when you have that connection, like I had the first time when I was here, then it brings everything together. And it’s an amazing feeling. You need that synchronisation, really. “If you want to succeed you need that relationship between the supporters, the team and the manager. That’s very, very important and the supporters in the main have been great since I’ve come back here.
“I understand why there was a bit of resentment towards me coming back, but it was never going to stop me. I am professional enough in my work to focus on the team. And if I can produce a team that excites the fans, and we can win things in my time here, then hopefully that can be acceptable.”
