Celtic have not been anywhere near up to par in recent weeks. Several points have been dropped in games one would expect them to win comfortably and as a result, the Rangers are now not only back in the Premiership title race but they also seem to be the favourites. Of course, things can change quickly in football and the upcoming Glasgow Derby is an opportunity for the Hoops to set things right.
It goes without saying that the players have not been good enough. The board have been questioned as well for their recruitment in the summer.
At the same time, Brendan Rodgers has faced his fair share of criticism as well. Most people believe that while the manager was not given a lot of help with the club's summer recruitment, he should be doing a lot better with the options that he does have. This is a squad full of treble winners after all.
Chris Sutton has been critical of Rodgers recently as well. As reported by the Daily Record [23/12 print edition] (via 67 Hail Hail), the manager responded to the former Celtic striker's comments, stating:
"In my career, I wouldn’t be sat here if I went through the motions in anything. I had no big playing career, no big history in the game. I had to fight for everything I got in the game.
“That will always be the case. I’ve never been granted any privileges in my life as a young coach and as a manager. So, no, I’ve certainly not gone through the motions, that’s for sure.
“I don’t listen to it. I assume there was criticism because we lost but I couldn’t tell you where it’s come from or who it’s been given from. That’s part of the role of a manager. You learn to regulate that. I’m also one who, with experience, never gets too emotional with words.
“I assess things logically and the reality was that we weren’t good enough. For whatever reason. Second half against Kilmarnock, against Hearts – we weren’t good enough. There are lessons there for us as a team. That’s part of the challenge."
Celtic boss offers blunt response to Chris Sutton's comments
To be honest, it does not feel like Rodgers would take things for granted at Celtic. Especially after how things ended at Leicester City for him, as the Northern Irishman was shown the exit door in the middle of the campaign.
Rodgers has built up the reputation as a top manager over the years, and at one point was even linked with clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City. If he does end up failing at Celtic, following Leicester City, that would be a blow to his future prospects in the game though.
Rodgers needs to succeed at Celtic. But things are not working at the moment. It is his job to fix that as soon as possible.