Brendan Rodgers has a lot on his plate at the moment.
Firstly, he has to manage a Celtic squad which hasn’t been built as well as he would like, after a disappointing summer transfer window.
Then there’s the unrest among the Celtic fans. The unhappiness may be mainly directed elsewhere, but it will still test Rodgers’ management skills to navigate the ongoing negative narrative.
The side has also failed to qualify for the Champions League, after an embarrassing play-off defeat. Many of Rodgers’ upcoming weeks will bring quick-fire games on Thursdays and Sundays.
So what will the Hoops boss’ thoughts look like at the moment? For one pundit, he will be on a downer.
Brendan Rodgers needs to get his mojo back, says Mark Guidi
There is no doubting Rodgers’ ability as a manager, but he will rarely have been in situations like this.
Fans’ thoughts may be elsewhere at the moment, but with club action set to return this weekend, it’s up to the Parkhead boss’ squad.
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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
For Mark Guidi, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, his first task is to lead himself.
Guidi said: “Brendan Rodgers’ job now is to lead himself. He’s on a downer, so who helps Brendan Rodgers?
“He needs to be lifted, he needs to get his mojo back. It’s a massive season, you’re going for a title again. Massive game on Sunday, away to Kilmarnock it will be very very tough on the astro-turf.
“So Brendan Rodgers needs to get his mojo back, as there’s no doubt he’ll be flat. He’ll be well aware [of fan unrest]. It must be a horrible thing.”
Training footage suggests that Rodgers is happy about Celtic’s signing of Iheanacho – can he spread the positivity in such an intense moment for supporters?
What the next few months mean for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers
Two more international breaks will arrive between now and Christmas, but there is still time for plenty of Celtic action.
In the Europa League, the Hoops have an opportunity. Their squad may not be optimal, but it should still get Rodgers to the knockout stages.
At that point, Celtic have the opportunity to win a European knockout tie for the first time since 2004. Regardless of Rodgers’ future, that is a serious prospect.
This can still be a positive season for Celtic – that starts with Rodgers and how he navigates his side’s coming fixtures.