BRENDAN RODGERS LEAVES A BITTER 12-WORD MESSAGE FOR CELTIC AFTER THEIR 3–1 LEAGUE CUP LOSS AS HE JOINS A SAUDI SIDE

Brendan Rodgers has once again found himself at the centre of controversy after delivering a pointed 12 word message aimed at Celtic in his first public statement as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.

Rodgers was officially confirmed this week as the new manager of Al Qadsiah following his departure from Celtic in October. The announcement came only days after Celtic suffered a damaging 3 1 League Cup defeat, a result that intensified criticism surrounding the timing and manner of Rodgers’ exit from Glasgow. Speaking to club media after his appointment, Rodgers delivered a carefully crafted but unmistakably bitter first remark, stating:

“I am proud to begin a new chapter with Al Qadsiah and excited by the ambition of this club, its players, and its supporters. This project represents a fresh challenge and a clear vision for long term success, which strongly aligns with my values as a coach. I leave Scotland having given everything during my time there. As I have said, I gave everything to Celtic; loyalty wasn’t returned, lessons learned, focus forward. My attention is now fully on building a competitive team, earning trust, and delivering success for Al Qadsiah.”

The brief remark was quickly interpreted as a bitter farewell and sparked immediate reaction among Celtic supporters. Many fans viewed the statement as an unnecessary parting shot, while others felt it reflected unresolved tensions between the manager and the club hierarchy.

Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic delivered significant success on the pitch. He guided the club to back to back league titles and re established domestic dominance during a period of transition. However, despite the silverware, cracks had begun to appear behind the scenes. Sources close to the club indicated growing frustration over communication, recruitment strategy and long term planning.

Those tensions became public following Rodgers’ exit when majority shareholder Dermot Desmond issued a strong condemnation of the manager’s conduct. Desmond described Rodgers’ behaviour as divisive, misleading and self serving, comments that revealed the extent of the breakdown in trust between both parties.

While Celtic were left to manage the fallout, Al Qadsiah moved quickly to present Rodgers’ arrival as a major step forward. The Saudi Pro League club currently sit fifth after nine matches and see the appointment as a clear statement of intent as they push to establish themselves among the league elite.

Club chief executive James Bisgrove, who previously held the same role at Rangers, described Rodgers’ appointment as a landmark moment in the club history. Speaking to club media, Bisgrove praised the manager’s experience and winning pedigree.

“The calibre of his experience and track record of winning reflects our ambition and long term vision to establish Al Qadsiah as one of Asia’s leading clubs,” Bisgrove said.

Rodgers replaces Spanish coach Michel, who parted ways with the club after more than two years in charge. Michel oversaw a period of consolidation, but the board have now turned to Rodgers to drive the next phase of growth and competitiveness.

The former Liverpool and Leicester City manager will not be working alone in Saudi Arabia. He is set to be joined by former Celtic coaches John Kennedy and Jack Lyons, a move that highlights Rodgers’ preference for continuity and trusted staff as he adapts to a new footballing culture.

Al Qadsiah’s squad already contains notable experience at the highest level. Former Real Madrid defender Nacho provides leadership and composure in defence, while Italy international striker Mateo Retegui has been a key attacking presence this season. With a solid league position already secured, Rodgers has a platform to make an immediate impact.

Despite his strong managerial resume, Rodgers’ reputation in Scotland has been damaged by the circumstances of his departure from Celtic. Critics argue that his exit undermined stability during a crucial phase of the season, while supporters remain divided over his legacy at the club.

For Rodgers, the move to Saudi Arabia represents both opportunity and risk. Success with Al Qadsiah could reshape the narrative surrounding his recent career choices and reinforce his status as a proven winner. Failure would only add to the scrutiny that has followed him since leaving Glasgow.

As Celtic attempt to regroup following League Cup disappointment, Rodgers begins a new chapter thousands of miles away. Yet his first words as Al Qadsiah head coach suggest emotions remain raw. The bitterness of his farewell indicates that, for now, the wounds from his Celtic exit have yet to fully heal.