FANS STUNNED AS BRENDAN RODGERS BLAST ONE CELTIC STAR IN A FIERY POST MACH INTERVIEW FOLLOWING THE 0:0 DRAW AGAINST KAIRAT – NOT TOO LATE TO SEND HIM AWAY “RODGERS FUMING”
Celtic fans were left stunned as Brendan Rodgers launched a scathing attack on forward B. Nygren after the Hoops were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League qualifier at Celtic Park.
The goalless stalemate, which leaves Celtic’s European ambitions hanging in the balance, was quickly overshadowed by Rodgers’ fiery post-match comments. In a rare public rebuke, the Celtic manager singled out Nygren for his lack of commitment and poor performance, going as far as suggesting that the club may still consider moving him on before the transfer window closes.
Rodgers Fuming at Lack of Desire
“We need players who understand the weight of this jersey,” Rodgers fumed during his interview. “Tonight, I didn’t see that from Nygren. At this club, there is no hiding place. You either give everything for the badge or you don’t play. And if that’s the case, it’s not too late to send him away.”
Known for usually defending his players in public, Rodgers’ sharp words highlighted his deep frustration with Nygren’s display. The forward, brought in with expectations of adding pace and creativity to Celtic’s frontline, cut a disappointing figure, struggling to make any meaningful impact during his 25 minutes on the pitch.
Rodgers’ decision to call out Nygren so openly shocked many supporters, though plenty admitted the manager only voiced what they were already feeling. The Swedish attacker was booed by sections of the home support after several misplaced passes and a lack of intensity during crucial moments of the game.
One fan on social media posted:
“Rodgers has had enough, and so have we. Nygren doesn’t look like a Celtic player. If he can’t handle the pressure, he should go.”
Another supporter added:
“Bold from Rodgers, but 100% correct. Nygren was invisible out there. Celtic need fighters, not passengers.”
However, others were uneasy with the manager’s approach. “I understand the frustration, but slating Nygren in front of the cameras could damage his confidence even more. That should have been said in the dressing room,” wrote one Celtic fan.
Celtic’s inability to break down Kairat left the strong crowd frustrated. Despite dominating possession, the Hoops lacked cutting edge in the final third, with clear chances at a premium. Nygren’s introduction late in the game was meant to inject fresh energy, but instead highlighted his lack of sharpness and conviction.
The result means Celtic now face a daunting trip to Kazakhstan for the return leg, knowing that an away goal for Kairat could prove decisive. The pressure is mounting not just on the squad as a whole but particularly on Nygren, who has become the focal point of fans’ anger and Rodgers’ impatience.
Rodgers Demands a Reaction
Rodgers made it clear that only those ready to “fight for the shirt” will be trusted going forward.
“We don’t have time for passengers. We are Celtic Football Club the standards are high, and if you can’t meet them, you won’t play. It’s as simple as that,” he said firmly.
His words underline the possibility that Nygren’s future in Glasgow could be short-lived unless he responds immediately and proves his worth in training and upcoming fixtures.
The second leg in Almaty will be crucial not only for Celtic’s Champions League hopes but also for Nygren’s career at the club. Rodgers’ explosive comments have left little room for excuses — the Swedish forward either delivers or risks being shown the exit door.
For now, Celtic fans are united in one sentiment: this is a moment of truth. Either the team finds its fight and grit in Kazakhstan, or Rodgers’ explosive warning could prove prophetic. The Champions League dream and B. Nygren’s Celtic future hangs in the balance.
