In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Celtic have terminated manager Brendan Rodgers' contract with immediate effect following Saturday's damaging 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.
Title Race Turns Toxic for Rodgers
The Northern Irishman's second spell at Parkhead has come to an abrupt end after a result that leaves Celtic trailing rivals Rangers by two points in the Scottish Premiership title race. The pressure had been mounting for weeks, but the loss in Edinburgh proved to be the final straw for the Celtic hierarchy.
Rodgers' departure marks a dramatic fall from grace for a manager who previously delivered seven trophies from seven during his first tenure, including two domestic trebles between 2016 and 2019.
Hearts Humiliation Proves Final Straw
Saturday's performance at Tynecastle was particularly alarming for Celtic supporters, with the team producing a lethargic and disjointed display that offered little hope of a comeback once Hearts took control. The defeat represented Celtic's sixth loss of the league campaign - an alarming statistic for a club of their domestic dominance.
Key concerns identified during Rodgers' second spell included:
- Inconsistent defensive performances
- Lack of attacking creativity
- Growing disconnect with supporters
- Failure to get the best from summer signings
What Next for Celtic?
With the title race delicately poised and crucial fixtures approaching, Celtic face a critical decision in their search for a new manager. The club statement confirmed that first-team coaches John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan will take charge on an interim basis while the board conducts their search for a permanent replacement.
The timing of Rodgers' dismissal highlights the seriousness with which Celtic view their current predicament. Despite winning the League Cup earlier this season and remaining in contention for the Scottish Cup, the Premiership title has always been the primary objective - and that now appears under serious threat.
As the Celtic board begin their managerial hunt, the pressure intensifies on a squad that must quickly regroup ahead of their next fixture. For Rodgers, it's the end of a once-golden relationship that ultimately couldn't recapture its former glory.
