The Celtic boss had plenty to say going into the Premier Sports Cup showdown with Patrick Thistle
16:47, 19 Sep 2025Updated 17:52, 19 Sep 2025
It was Box Office Brendan last week. This time around it was more reflective Rodgers – at least for a while.
But the Celtic manager is essential viewing and while nothing was going to get near his blockbuster media conference last Friday, the Irishman was worth watching yet again.
Here are the main takeaways after he sat down to preview Sunday’s clash with Patrick Thistle.
Celtic boss Brendan RodgersGoing to bat for Russell
The Hoops boss knows how Glasgow works and doesn’t need to be told about the rivalry with Rangers.
But he was at his blistering best here again, and this time it was in defence of the under siege Ibrox manager.
Rodgers was in no mood to join the stampede of critics mocking the Gers gaffer for their team building trip to Loch Lomond on Monday.
In fact, the Celtic boss revealed his side ALSO went on a team bonding job this week, with a group get together with the players and their wives to help the new recruits settle in.
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers and Rangers boss Russell Martin
And Rodgers also put the boot in to the sideline snipers who have been criticising Martin’s performance in the dugout.
A bit like last week, there were no names mentioned but he made it clear he wasn’t happy with the pundits who had been in management and coaching roles lining up to dig out the current man in charge.
This is a gaffer with more than 800 games as a boss – and if there’s something he doesn’t like, he simply comes out and says it.
Drawing a line under choas
Rodgers said plenty seven days earlier in his now famous half an hour epic where he dismantled Celtic’s transfer window and branded a club insider a coward for briefing against him.
This time around he was keen to move on. There was a question about the good performance and result against Kilmarnock ‘but’ the fan chants that followed, he slapped it down and insisted there was no need for anything after the but.
When also pressed about the investigation in to who was speaking out of school, it was a one word answer – done.
And he wouldn’t elaborate. Rodgers clearly wants to draw a line under some of the recent carry on and get down to the job of getting the best out of his side.
Squad issues remain
That said, Rodgers was interested in the shape of his squad. When asked about the impact made by Michel-Ange Balikwisha and some of his struggles on the right wing at Rugby Park, he admitted that was on him.
He insisted Balikwisha was a left sided winger and the reason he was brought in along with Tounekti was because they expected Daizen Maeda to go.
Obviously that didn’t happen amid the deadline day striker panic but it doesn’t sound like Balikwisha will be over that side too much in the future.
Who will be is up for debate. Rodgers almost admitted he wasn’t sure.
He has James Forrest and Yang out there, but he doesn’t see Maeda’s best role on that flank.
It’s going to be a case of watch this space.
Where’s JSP?
It’s a question a lot of supporters have been asking, where is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
It doesn’t sound like he’ll be seen any time soon though.
Rodgers admitted it’s been tough for the on-loan Man City defender to break in to a defence that’s only lost one league goal all season.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Celtic’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey arrives ahead of a UEFA Champions League Play-Offs First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Cetic Park, on August 20, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
He also revealed the centre back has been viewed as one for the medium to longer term over his 12 month stint in Scotland.
In the meantime it’s about adapting to the club and getting fully up to speed after missing out some of pre-season down south.
It’s another one to keep an eye on.
No Daizen doubts
While it remains to be seen how best Rodgers will deploy Daizen Maeda or if he might away in January, there won’t be any concerns over his commitment.
Maeda was quite at Rugby Park for long spells but popped up with a crucial opening goal.
It was a stunning cross from Marcelo Saracchi and and a tremendous diving header finish.
Rodgers knows it’s been a tough time for the Japanese ace having been all set for a move away over the summer.
But the Celtic manager won’t lose any sleep over the attacker putting in 100 percent every week.