The Celtic boss admitted his side have lost too much firepower from last year’s title-winning squad and suggested he’s been left to find solutions without the tools needed to maintain the club’s usual standards.
The 2-0 defeat at Dens Park has piled pressure on both Rodgers and the board, coming amid growing anger from supporters over a lack of transfer activity and recent performances. Rodgers’ comments, comparing his current squad to being handed a “Honda Civic” and told to drive it like a “Ferrari,” were a clear message that the summer’s recruitment has not been good enough.
With key players such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, and Nicolás Kühn all having left over the past year, Celtic’s attack has looked short of quality and depth. Rodgers admitted he must find a way to make the side more dangerous but made it clear that his options are limited until changes are made at boardroom level.
His comments highlight a growing tension within the club, as the manager continues to face questions about ambition, backing, and the direction of the current squad.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “We’ve lost a lot of firepower — a lot of goals — out of the team. There’s no way you can go into a race, be given the keys to a Honda Civic, and as you take off, be told to drive it like a Ferrari. It’s not going to happen.
“So until something changes, I have to find the solutions because, like I said, goals, speed — everything — has come out of the team, and we need to find a way to be better.
“I just said that this is where you really have to be a man. It looks great from the outside when you’re winning trophies and playing great football, but you’ve got to deal with pressure too.
“The result and performance today aren’t good enough. It’s not acceptable for Celtic. I’ve come here a number of times over the years, and that today was not the level — so we have to find it.”
Rodgers’ comments are among his strongest yet, suggesting growing frustration over Celtic’s failure to replace key attackers. The metaphor was no accident — a pointed reminder that he can only work with what he’s been given. For many fans, it echoed the same concerns they’ve voiced for months about a lack of ambition from the boardroom.
The defeat at Dundee has only intensified the spotlight on the hierarchy, who are under increasing pressure to deliver meaningful backing in the next transfer window. With the team struggling for goals and rhythm, Rodgers’ words will resonate with supporters demanding action rather than excuses.
Celtic’s boss was careful not to name individuals, but the message was unmistakable: the squad has been weakened, and expectations must reflect that reality. His admission that the performance was “not the level” shows that accountability lies both on and off the pitch.
As pressure builds, Rodgers’ post-match comments have thrown the focus squarely onto the club’s board. January now looms as a crucial moment for Celtic, not just to strengthen the squad, but to show Rodgers and support that lessons have finally been learned.
About the Author
