Just three short weeks ago, the Celtic faithful were in full voice, welcoming Ange Postecoglou and his team back to Paradise after securing a remarkable treble.
The feeling of triumph was pervasive, but the sense of loss was already beginning to take hold. Ange thanked the fans for their support, but there was a real feeling the curtain was about to come down on his short, but memorable two-year stay in Glasgow’s East end.
On Friday, just 20 days after Ange and his team earned a rapturous reception, Brendan Rodgers stood in the very same spot, entrusted with the responsibility of leading Celtic once more. It’s remarkable. Rodgers, whose departure to Leicester City in 2019 left a bitter taste in the mouths of the supporters, is back. A move that would have been unthinkable not so long ago, has transpired amidst an unpredictable turn of events.
When Brendan was first linked with a return, not many were paying attention. He had been linked with several high-profile jobs in England, particularly after his successful tenure at Leicester City, despite the recent downturn. At the same time, Postecoglou was speaking about building a legacy at Celtic, expressing a strong desire to continue the project he had just begun. Yet, an offer from Tottenham Hotspur proved too alluring for Postecoglou, creating a vacuum that needed to be filled.
In this beautifully chaotic sport, the phrase ‘never say never’ carries a special weight. The set of circumstances that led to Rodgers’ return were extraordinarily unlikely. He needed to be unattached at the exact time Celtic required a manager, and Postecoglou had to depart. Even then, the baggage involved seemed insurmountable. The stars aligned, or perhaps misaligned, depending on your personal perspective, and Rodgers is once more at the helm.
Now, the question is, what does this mean for Celtic’s future? On one hand, Rodgers’ return brings a certain level of elite coaching and a proven track record in Scottish football. On the other hand, it stirs memories of a sudden departure and a feeling of betrayal. The Celtic faithful will undoubtedly back Rodgers, but the pressure is on.
In addressing his previous departure, Rodgers seemed to strike the right balance. He expressed no regret for leaving Celtic to pursue a new challenge, a decision that he believed was right for his career at the time. However, he also acknowledged the hurt his departure caused the Celtic faithful, displaying a keen understanding of the emotional undercurrents that drive the Celtic support.
Importantly, Rodgers refrained from offering a hollow apology, which could have come across as insincere and merely a PR exercise. Instead, by openly acknowledging the pain his abrupt exit caused, Rodgers showed respect for the fans’ feelings. This nuanced acknowledgement, more than an empty apology, may go a long way towards healing old wounds and building a bridge towards a successful second stint at the helm of Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic Park is a captivating new chapter in the club’s unbroken history. With a talented squad at his disposal, the task ahead is both exciting and daunting.
The first order of business will be to take stock of the dressing room, deciphering which players are fully invested in the vision and who might be eyeing the exit door.
At the same time, the Irishman will likely look to imprint his mark by bringing in fresh talent to bolster the ranks. The transfer market could be instrumental in shaping Celtic’s fortunes under his leadership.
Rodgers knows as well as anyone that the aspirations of Celtic go beyond domestic dominance; Europe is where the club seeks to make a lasting impact. Forging ahead in European competitions is the ultimate goal, and it is by no means a cakewalk. Navigating the continental waters, often fraught with giants and dark horses, will test Rodgers’ tactical acumen and the squad’s mettle.
As the Bhoys take to the field under the Celtic manager’s watchful eye, the collective hopes of the Celtic faithful will be fervently pinned on the team. The roller coaster is about to embark, and it’s time to buckle up. Here’s to hoping that under Rodgers’ stewardship, Celtic can scale new heights, and etch their name deeper into European football lore. Onward and upwards.
