6 days ago
34
Celtic has officially announced that manager Brendan Rodgers has stepped down following Sunday's 3-1 loss to Hearts. The Scottish champions have revealed that former Celtic gaffer Martin O'Neill and ex-player Shaun Maloney will temporarily take the reins.
The defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday left the current Scottish Premiership title holders trailing leaders Hearts by eight points after nine games. The club's European campaign has also been a struggle this season, with Celtic languishing in 21st place in the Europa League group stage table, having secured just one victory so far.
Now, the Glasgow titans are on the hunt for a new boss after ex-Liverpool boss Rodgers' second stint at the helm came to a surprising conclusion on Monday.
"Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation," read a statement on the club's website. "It has been accepted by the Club and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect.
"The Club appreciates Brendan's contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the Club. Brendan leaves Celtic with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the Club and we wish him further success in the future.
"The process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway and the Club will update supporters further on this as soon as possible. We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager, Martin O'Neill and former Celtic player, Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters. Further details will be confirmed shortly."
The ex-Leicester City, Liverpool and Swansea City chief returned for a second stint at Celtic Park in 2023. Rodgers secured back-to-back titles, adding to his league successes from 2017 and 2018.
However, the 55-year-old departs with a squad threatening to relinquish their crown to a Hearts side who have enjoyed a remarkable ascent under boss Derek McInnes.
The unbeaten Jam Tarts have claimed eight victories and managed just one draw thus far in the league whilst defeating traditional Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers into the bargain.
Following Sunday's defeat to Hearts, Rodgers refuted suggestions he had lost his hunger for the fight against this campaign's shock contenders in Scotland.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"I've never worked harder in all my time here," he said. "So the motivation is there to try and flip the levels that we're at. It's absolutely fine, it's still so early. I think that's the key point in it all.
"Hearts have made a fantastic start, got the points on the board, but there's so much football to play. We've just got to hang in there at this moment, find those performances, find the results and hopefully our levels will improve as the season goes on."
He further stated: "We have to fill the players with confidence. The context of today is obviously disappointing in the game and the result. But there are 29 games left."
English (US) ·