“Unfortunately, we weren’t at our best on…” – Celtic Board reacts to Celtic’s performance in the Champions League, and speaks about what Brendan Rodgers is doing.

Celtic’s performance in recent weeks has been a mix of highs and lows, with their latest Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund raising concerns among fans and pundits alike. The 7-1 loss was a major blow, and many questioned whether manager Brendan Rodgers was still the right man to lead the club, especially in Europe. However, despite this setback, Celtic’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has publicly expressed his confidence in Rodgers and the direction the club is heading.

A Tough Week for Celtic

Celtic’s struggles were evident in their midweek clash against Borussia Dortmund, where the team suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat. The Champions League fixture was always expected to be a tough test, but few could have anticipated such a comprehensive loss. Fans and critics alike were quick to point fingers at Brendan Rodgers, questioning his tactical decisions and the team’s readiness for such high-level competition.

Despite this, Celtic managed to regain some momentum in their Scottish Premiership match against Ross County. While the game wasn’t their best performance, the Hoops managed to secure a crucial 3-1 victory, keeping them in contention at the top of the league. Rodgers made key substitutions in the second half, which played a significant role in turning the tide of the match. This win sets up an exciting top-of-the-table clash with Aberdeen, as both teams remain unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership.

Dermot Desmond’s Public Backing of Rodgers

While speculation around Rodgers’ future grew following the heavy defeat in Europe, it was Dermot Desmond who came forward to defend the Celtic manager. Desmond, a rarely quoted figure in the public eye, spoke out during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, showing his support for Rodgers and expressing his satisfaction with the team’s overall progress.

Desmond acknowledged the disappointment of the Champions League defeat but emphasized that setbacks are part of football. He praised the style of play Rodgers has instilled in the team, stating: “I think we have played good football. We had a good start and could have played bad football, but we have played very good and exciting football.”

His comments reflected a sense of optimism about the team’s future under Rodgers. Desmond emphasized the importance of looking ahead and continuing to focus on both domestic and European competition. “I like what we are doing, what Brendan is doing, and I think we have a good squad,” Desmond added, highlighting his belief in the manager’s ability to turn things around.

Looking Forward to the Champions League Campaign

Desmond is not dwelling on the Borussia Dortmund result, instead looking forward to the remaining matches in Celtic’s Champions League campaign. Although the 7-1 defeat was a significant blow, Desmond remains hopeful that the team can secure some positive results in their remaining group-stage fixtures.

“I would like to see some good results, home results, and maybe nick a point or two away,” Desmond said. His comments reflect a realistic but hopeful approach, acknowledging that while European competition is tough, there are still opportunities for Celtic to make their mark. Desmond also praised the excitement of facing different teams with varying levels of competition, saying, “I think it makes it exciting for the club, the supporters, and people generally.”

While Champions League success may be elusive, Desmond’s backing suggests that Celtic’s board is committed to the long-term project under Rodgers, rather than making any knee-jerk decisions based on a single result.

Rodgers’ Relationship with Desmond and the Celtic Board

Dermot Desmond’s backing of Rodgers should come as no surprise to those familiar with Celtic’s recent history. Desmond has been a key figure in the managerial appointments at the club, playing an instrumental role in bringing Rodgers to Celtic for his first stint as manager. Under Rodgers, Celtic enjoyed unprecedented success in the domestic league, winning multiple titles and establishing themselves as the dominant force in Scottish football.

When Rodgers returned for his second spell last season, it was once again with Desmond’s backing. The majority shareholder has shown great faith in Rodgers, and his recent comments suggest that he remains confident that the Northern Irishman can lead Celtic to further success, both in Scotland and in Europe.

This relationship between Desmond and Rodgers is likely one of the reasons why the manager has been given time to rebuild the team and implement his long-term vision, despite recent setbacks. While other clubs might have reacted differently to such a heavy European defeat, Celtic’s leadership appears to be focused on stability and continuity.

Celtic’s Domestic Form and the Upcoming Clash with Aberdeen

Despite the European disappointment, Celtic’s domestic form has remained strong. Their victory against Ross County means that the Hoops continue to maintain their perfect record in the Scottish Premiership. With a crucial match against Aberdeen looming after the international break, Celtic will be looking to continue their unbeaten run and strengthen their position at the top of the table.

The Aberdeen match is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season, as both teams have been in excellent form. A win for Celtic would not only keep them at the top of the league but also provide a much-needed morale boost after the Dortmund defeat. However, Aberdeen, too, will be eager to prove themselves in what could be a decisive match in the title race.

Celtic will need to address some of the issues that were exposed in their European fixture, particularly in defense, where they struggled against Dortmund’s attacking prowess. However, their ability to bounce back against Ross County suggests that the team still has the resilience needed to compete at the highest level.

Injuries and the International Break

The international break comes at a critical time for Celtic, allowing the team to regroup and recover from a grueling few weeks. Several players are away on international duty, but for those staying behind, it’s an opportunity to work on fitness and address any lingering injury concerns.

Celtic has been dealing with a few key injuries in recent weeks, which may have contributed to their struggles in Europe. The break offers an ideal window for these players to recover and get back to full fitness before the Aberdeen clash. Additionally, the team managed to fit in a mid-season friendly against Sligo Rovers, securing a positive result that could help rebuild confidence ahead of the resumption of competitive matches.

Conclusion: Backing Rodgers for the Long Term

In the aftermath of Celtic’s heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund, questions were raised about Brendan Rodgers’ future. However, the public backing from majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has provided a clear indication that the club’s leadership remains fully behind their manager. Desmond’s comments reflect a broader commitment to the long-term project at Celtic, where the focus is on building a strong squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.

Rodgers will now look to repay that faith as Celtic continue their Champions League campaign and aim to maintain their perfect record in the Scottish Premiership. The upcoming clash with Aberdeen will be a key test of the team’s character and resilience, and a win could set them up for further success this season.

For now, Celtic fans can take comfort in the knowledge that the club’s leadership is focused on stability and progress, even in the face of adversity.