Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers stands by fans' post-match comments – 'I don't need to bite my tongue' | Football news

Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers declared that he had the right to express his feelings, saying that the pursuit of unity was his main motivation in criticizing the reaction of some fans on Sunday.

Rodgers claimed that fans who chanted the name of signing target Kieran Tierney were disrespectful to fellow left-back Greg Taylor.

and, After beating St Mirren 3-0He called on fans to show their support, instead of negativity, when his players need to pass the ball back to change their point of attack.

Ahead of the visit of Dundee United on Wednesday, Rodgers described his comments as an “observation” rather than a demand.

“I believe that everyone has the right to express their feelings and feelings, and that has been my feeling since the weekend,” he said.

“Listen, the Celtic support is an amazing support base, what they bring to the team and how they support them and how they travel with the team. So I'm not going to start telling people what to sing.

“But for me, that's just a bigger picture about this period of games in particular, where the pitches are a little more packed than they normally would be, and the game might be a little bit slower than it would normally be. So this isn't 'always that' It's the players fault.

“This support can really help the team in a very difficult period for us.

“I'm not going to beat around the bush when I talk about it. I have enough experience to say what I think and what I feel, but not in a way that's insulting to anyone.”

“Everything I put in to get back here, I'm very happy to be back here. I love my life and I love my job here. But it's also important to be able to say what I think.”

“Sometimes you get paid not to say what you think, but there are moments when you have to. I'm at a point now in my career and my life where I don't need to bite my tongue.”

“I've mentioned it off and on during my time here, just because I know how strong this club is when everything is together and that unity is there,” added Rodgers, whose return to Celtic in the summer of 2023 was not universally welcomed.

“And also how the players feel when they are there and get this amazing support.

“I can understand that because of the Rangers game and not playing anywhere near our level, I can understand that being a little nervous and a little nervous.

“But I think it's very important that my priority with the players is the level of performance. That comes from training and from matches, creating that atmosphere in which the players can flourish.

“So that's all I'm here to do, to manage and be the best I can be for Celtic during my time here, however long it may be. And of course, I will defend that.”

“Once the time is up, I can step back and wait for the next coach to arrive and support me and look forward to seeing 60 high-intensity, 95-minute football games every week. I will be really happy.”

When Rodgers was told that some Celtic fans claimed Tierney's praise was not meant to belittle Taylor, the manager said: “Listen, I've said before and I'll repeat, everyone has an opinion. Everyone has an emotion, people can say what they think, and no That's okay.”

Taylor, who received treatment for a blow to the nose immediately after the match, remains in the midst of a contract impasse with Celtic with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Rodgers said: “For me, he's a loyal Celtic player. He's been at Celtic for almost six years. I think if he played (on Wednesday) it would be 200 games as a Celtic player, which is a lot of games. He's a great servant.” I hope it continues to do so throughout my time here and beyond.

“I think his level of performance, his focus and his commitment to the team and the club is always there.

“There's always a little background for every player and coach, but he copes with it really well.”