RODGERS’ SHOCK LINEUP CALL SENDS CELTIC DRESSING ROOM INTO TURMOIL AS SENIOR PLAYERS STUNNED BEFORE CRUCIAL DERBY SHOWDOWN

Celtic Park has erupted into uncertainty on the eve of one of the club’s most defining fixtures after Brendan Rodgers reportedly made a shock lineup decision that has left several senior players stunned and furious. Sources close to the team say the controversial call has caused visible tension inside the dressing room, threatening to unsettle preparations for the crucial derby clash this weekend.

According to multiple insiders, Rodgers’ decision centers on the unexpected omission of a key player, a respected figure in the squad and a fan favorite who has been instrumental in recent performances. The move, which was revealed during a closed-door team meeting on Friday night, is said to have split the squad, with some questioning the manager’s judgment at such a critical stage.

One insider described the atmosphere as tense and awkward, claiming some players were left speechless after learning about the change. “You could feel the shock in the room,” the source said. “This wasn’t just about tactics, this was personal for some of the lads. It’s the derby, emotions are high, and this decision caught everyone off guard.”

The timing could not be more dramatic. With Celtic preparing to face their fiercest rivals in a high-stakes match that could define their season, Rodgers’ decision has added a layer of chaos to an already intense buildup. Fans and pundits alike are now speculating on what could have driven the manager to make such a bold and potentially risky move.

Rodgers is no stranger to controversy. Since returning to the Celtic dugout, his leadership style and tactical approach have divided opinion among supporters. While some admire his confidence and willingness to make tough calls, others accuse him of being too stubborn and detached from the emotional pulse of the squad.

Reports suggest that the dropped player reacted with visible frustration after learning of his exclusion. “He’s one of the leaders, one of the voices that keeps the team together,” another source noted. “Leaving him out before a game like this, it’s either genius or madness. The team’s mood changed instantly.”

Social media erupted as news of the decision began to circulate late Friday night. Some fans called Rodgers’ move a power play, suggesting he is reasserting authority in the dressing room after a few uneven performances. Others labeled it a massive gamble, fearing it could backfire spectacularly if Celtic fail to get a result.

Former Celtic players and pundits have also weighed in. One ex-player, speaking on a late-night radio show, said, “Brendan’s always been bold, but this is the kind of decision that defines a manager. If it pays off, he’ll be hailed as a genius. But if they lose, he’ll have the entire fanbase asking if he’s lost the plot.”

Insiders also claim this is not the first sign of tension in the Celtic camp this month. Training sessions have reportedly been intense and emotional, with Rodgers demanding more discipline and higher energy levels. The current feeling among players, however, is said to be mixed — some back the manager’s approach, while others feel communication has broken down.

Meanwhile, the Celtic hierarchy is understood to be monitoring the situation closely. Club officials are believed to be urging calm and encouraging players to remain focused on the derby rather than off-field speculation.

Still, the sense of unease is hard to ignore. Fans arriving at Celtic Park tomorrow will be watching not only the scoreboard but also body language, searching for signs of unity or unrest among the players.

For Brendan Rodgers, this is a defining moment. A victory could silence critics, restore faith in his leadership, and prove that his brave decision was rooted in strategy rather than ego. But a defeat could spark a storm that the Northern Irishman may struggle to contain.

As one insider put it bluntly late Friday night, “Rodgers has rolled the dice. If it lands right, he’s a hero. If it doesn’t, it could get ugly fast.”

Whatever happens, this derby is no longer just about bragging rights. It is about power, pride, and the future of Brendan Rodgers’ reign at Celtic Park.