Celtic are Scottish Premiership champions for the third year running in what has ultimately been a successful season under Brendan Rodgers.
Nevertheless, since returning to Parkhead, the Irishman has needed to contend with external criticism and injury issues. His ride hasn’t always been the smoothest upon stepping back into the hot seat.
In the end, Celtic finished a comfortable eight points ahead of Rangers; however, at one point, they were five points behind, something that put their season in a precarious position despite being eight points clear earlier on.
His defining words of 2023/24 came after the Bhoys saved face late on to claim a 3-1 victory at Motherwell in late February, where he said post-match that Celtic would ‘write their own story’ in the face of narratives he believed were skewed towards the press insinuating the title could be heading elsewhere.
Now, as the club prepares for the Scottish Cup final this weekend, Rodgers can silence even more of his doubters by claiming a domestic double.
John Hartson on Brendan Rodgers firing back at critics
Coming back to Celtic after leaving the first time round was always going to produce criticism of Rodgers; nevertheless, he has fought every step of the way to ensure his return has been successful.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Hoops striker John Hartson believes Rodgers did take issue with being questioned on several occasions, with his style of play one factor that has come under focus; however, the Welshman also indicated he has been right to reply to the doubters.
He explained: “I feel that Brendan was coming back into a club that he did very well at previously, but he left in a way that a lot of the supporters weren’t happy (about). He couldn’t have expected to come in and change that straight away.
Hartson later added on Rodgers’ response to his critics: “I think it took Brendan a bit of time to integrate that into the team this season (efficient style of play), so they lost a few games early on, and Brendan is not immune to criticism.
“I just felt he wanted to get that out there because he’s ended up winning the title, not proving people wrong, but I just feel he’s entitled to say what he thinks. The little bit of stick he got, it certainly got to him.”
Brendan Rodgers has delivered under pressure for Celtic
Managing Celtic is a pressurised environment where there isn’t much room for faltering at all; however, Rodgers has passed the test in his first season back, securing automatic entry to the new Champions League format.
Come next season, new challenges will present themselves, though that will be put on the back burner for now, with the Scottish Cup final still to play for.
Hopefully, Celtic can bow out of this season with two pieces of silverware, which would represent a good return for the club.