Brendan Rodgers is standing firm amid his dispute with certain Celtic fans, insisting that he won't be silenced due to his age and depth of experience.
The Celtic manager's post-match remarks following the 3-0 triumph over St Mirren have stirred quite the storm. He criticised some fans for groaning when the scores were even and passes were going sideways. Rodgers also mentioned the late-game cheers for Arsenal defender and ex-Bhoys ace Kieran Tierney which he felt were disrespectful towards current left-back Greg Taylor. The actions have led to a mixed bag of responses, with a few staunch supporters suggesting Rodgers may have crossed a line.
However, with a matchup against Dundee United on Wednesday night at Parkhead on the horizon, Rodgers maintains a steadfast stance, clearly aware that he's treading on delicate ground with fans who've not entirely moved past his original departure to Leicester City.
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At Tuesday's lunchtime press event, he confidently stated: "I'm experienced enough to say what I think and what I feel. But not in a derogatory way to anyone."
He expressed his contentment with returning to the club, remarking: "I'd be the last person, coming back to here and everything I've put myself through to come back to here. I'm so happy I came back here. I love my life and I love my job here.
"But it's also important to be able to say what I think. Sometimes you are paid not to say what you think. But there are moments when you have to. And I'm at the stage now in my career and my life where I don't need to bite my tongue. I am not going to beat around the bush when I am talking about the bush," reports the Daily Record.
When asked if he felt trapped in a lose-lose situation when it comes to voicing his opinions, he responded: "Well you can't because then you've got an ego or something like that. But listen, it's the modern world so it's OK."
"We just get on with winning football games. We win games, play well and that's what's important."
In response to the suggestion that his decision to speak out underscores the significance of his point, he said: "I've mentioned sporadically over my time here just because I know what the power of this club is when everything's together and that unity is there. And also, what it feels like for the players to be out there getting that amazing support."
"I can understand off the back of the Rangers game and not playing anywhere near what our level was. So I can understand a bit of fret and a bit of worry."
"But it's something I think is very, very important. My priority with the players is the performance level and that comes from training and the games, creating that atmosphere which the players can thrive in."
"That's what I'm here to do. To manage and be the best that I possibly can be for Celtic in my time here, however long that is. And, of course, I will stand up for that."
"And once my time is done I can step back, wait for the next manager to come in, support him and look forward to seeing 60 games of high intensity football for 95 minutes every week. And I will be really happy!"
Rodgers gears up for a crucial clash against an in-form United, anticipating a different encounter from their last hard-fought match. He spoke highly of the opposing team, stating: "They're very good and you can see that from where they sit in the league. They clearly are getting results and performances and doing very, very well."
Reflecting on the previous fixture he added, "They made it very difficult for us up there in difficult conditions and we couldn't make the breakthrough that day. But I would like to think this will be a totally different game."
The manager also touched upon squad changes, confirming that Stephen Welsh is on the brink of a loan switch to Belgium, while Dane Murray returns from Queens Park to step in. Rodgers detailed: "There are a few little bits and pieces going on in the background with both ins and outs but nothing to declare as of yet."
Praising the young returnee, he said, "We've brought Dane back for that purpose. He's a young player I really think highly of.
"We sent him to Queens Park where he's trained every day and been really well coached at a fantastic club. The whole idea then was to bring him back."
Regarding Stephen Welsh, Rodgers acknowledged his significant contribution to the team's ethos: "Stephen has been pretty much part of the fabric at this club for so many years - he's one of the guys who helps create the culture. But there also comes a time when they need to look at their own career. So there's a possibility that he'll go out on loan. It's not confirmed yet."
He concluded on a strategic note, saying, "But for him to go out and Dane to come back is quite an easy transition."
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