Brendan Rodgers has stepped down as Celtic manager following weeks of escalating tensions with the club’s hierarchy. His departure, confirmed late on Monday night, ends a turbulent second spell at Parkhead marked by internal disagreements and mounting fan frustration. Former manager Martin O’Neill has been appointed as interim boss, returning two decades after his successful tenure between 2000 and 2005.
O’Neill, assisted by Shaun Maloney, will oversee Celtic’s upcoming fixtures, beginning with Wednesday’s clash against Falkirk at Celtic Park and the highly anticipated League Cup semi-final against Rangers this weekend. His short-term appointment could be extended depending on results, although reports suggest Ange Postecoglou, recently released by Nottingham Forest, is also being considered for a long-term return.
Rodgers leaves Celtic trailing league leaders Hearts by eight points following a 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday. The loss intensified scrutiny over his leadership, with fans expressing discontent over poor performances and limited summer transfer activity. The manager had repeatedly voiced frustration about recruitment, claiming the club’s lack of ambition hindered progress.
However, Celtic’s majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond, strongly refuted Rodgers’s version of events, accusing him of “divisive and misleading” conduct. Desmond stated that Rodgers had full control over transfers and final say on all footballing matters. He further revealed that the club had offered Rodgers a contract extension in June, which the manager declined while publicly suggesting no such offer had been made.
Desmond’s unusually direct public statement reflected the depth of the rift between both parties. He condemned Rodgers’s actions for creating a “toxic atmosphere” around the club, claiming they fueled hostility toward executives and board members.
Despite the controversy, Desmond acknowledged Rodgers’s achievements during his time in charge, including multiple league titles and domestic trophies that form part of Celtic’s modern history. Yet, he expressed disappointment at the manner of his exit, describing it as “self-serving” and “deeply regrettable.”
Rodgers, for his part, maintained that he accepted full responsibility for Celtic’s recent struggles. His departure marks another major managerial shake-up at the Scottish champions, who now look to O’Neill to stabilise the squad and restore unity as they attempt to revive their season.
