Brendan Rodgers Quits Celtic After Shock Defeat

End of an Era at Parkhead

Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Hearts left the champions trailing eight points behind their rivals. His exit ends a turbulent second spell in charge, just 16 months after returning to the club.

Celtic confirmed Rodgers’ resignation in a statement, saying: “Brendan has tendered his resignation, which has been accepted with immediate effect. The club thanks him for his contribution and wishes him future success.”

In the interim, former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill and ex-player Shaun Maloney will take over first-team duties while the club searches for a permanent replacement.

A Legacy of Triumphs and Tension

Rodgers’ first tenure at Celtic (2016–2019) brought unmatched domestic dominance, including back-to-back trebles and an unbeaten league campaign — the first since 1899. His return in 2023 initially continued that success, with consecutive league titles and cup wins.

But this season told a different story. Celtic’s early Champions League exit to Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty and inconsistent domestic form led to growing unrest.

Rodgers didn’t hide his frustration with the club’s transfer dealings, famously comparing his squad-building situation to “being handed a Honda Civic and told to drive it like a Ferrari.” That remark reportedly angered key figures within the boardroom.

The Fallout

Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond released a sharp statement after Rodgers’ departure, accusing him of misrepresenting the club’s commitment.

Behind the scenes, tensions between Rodgers and the Celtic hierarchy had been brewing for months, with disagreements over recruitment and long-term planning. The defeat at Hearts seems to have been the final straw.

What’s Next for Celtic?

As fans process another managerial shake-up, Celtic turn once again to familiar faces. O’Neill and Maloney will aim to steady the ship and reignite belief in a team that still has time to salvage its season.

Whether Rodgers’ exit sparks a revival or deeper chaos at Parkhead — that remains to be seen.