Gordon Strachan has voiced concern over the uncertainty surrounding Brendan Rodgers’ long-term future at Celtic, urging the club to avoid rushing into a long-term extension and instead consider a more flexible approach.
Rodgers returned to Celtic in 2023 on a three-year deal and has since added silverware to his name. But with his contract set to expire in 2026 and no new agreement yet signed, questions are starting to surface among fans and pundits.
Strachan, who managed the club from 2005 to 2009, knows the demands of the role better than most. Speaking to The Sun Strachan said: “I wouldn’t like a lifetime deal. Then no matter what happens you’ve got this deal. I don’t think that’s going to happen because both parties in this are not stupid.”
The pressures of life in Glasgow, relentless fixtures, and the weight of expectation can make the job draining after several years in charge.
He added, “It’s not easy to keep momentum going. You’re literally saying the same thing every week… It’s difficult for any Celtic manager to last more than three years.”
He also pointed to the effect contract uncertainty can have on players and team focus, warning of the potential for performance dips if the manager’s future becomes a distraction.
“If he doesn’t sign one, then it becomes that kind of, is he going, is he staying? Which he could do without when you’re a Celtic manager.”
With a competitive season ahead and Rangers expected to mount a serious challenge, the former manager stressed that Celtic must remain united and focused on the pitch.
Strachan voiced his concerns over a possible challenge from Rangers this season: “I think there’ll be more pressure from Rangers this year. It’s hard enough to deal with winning and dealing with the pressure of winning and winning another league without this creeping in all the time.
The former Scotland gaffer’s message to the club is clear: tread carefully and prioritise stability, even if that means short-term arrangements for now. Just make sure that you have your ducks in a row before we get to the nitty gritty of the latter stages of the season.
