Brendan Rodgers Delivers Scathing Post-Match Verdict After Celtic’s Shock Defeat to St Johnstone
In a rare moment of vulnerability for Celtic, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on April 6, 2025. The loss, which saw Celtic’s title charge falter against a resolute bottom-of-the-table side, prompted an uncharacteristically brutal response from manager Brendan Rodgers in his post-match interview. Known for his measured demeanor, Rodgers didn’t hold back as he laid into his squad, calling out their lack of intensity and questioning their commitment in a performance that left Celtic fans stunned and frustrated.
The match itself was a tale of missed opportunities and defensive resilience from St Johnstone. Despite Celtic controlling possession and peppering the Saints’ goal with chances, it was Daniels Balodis’ early header that proved decisive, handing the hosts a lead they defended with grit and determination. Celtic’s attacking stars, including the usually reliable Reo Hatate—who struck the post—and Arne Engels—who could only muster a tame shot at goalkeeper Fisher—failed to find a breakthrough. For a team accustomed to steamrolling opponents, the inability to convert dominance into goals was a bitter pill to swallow, and Rodgers made it clear he was far from impressed.
Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Rodgers unleashed a scathing assessment of his team’s display. “That was nowhere near good enough,” he began, his tone laced with frustration. “We lacked hunger, we lacked intensity, and we got exactly what we deserved today—nothing. You don’t win games by strolling around and expecting it to happen. St Johnstone wanted it more, and that’s a damning indictment of where we were at today.” His words were a stark departure from the usual praise he heaps on his squad, reflecting the gravity of a performance that saw Celtic drop crucial points in the race for the Premiership title.
Rodgers didn’t stop there, digging deeper into what he saw as a fundamental failing from his players. “There’s a mentality issue here that we need to address,” he said. “Some of these lads think they can turn up, go through the motions, and still walk away with three points because of the badge on their chest. That’s not how it works—not at this club, not against any team in this league. St Johnstone showed more desire, more fight, and we were left chasing shadows. It’s unacceptable.” The comments echoed sentiments he’s expressed in the past when Celtic have underperformed, but the ferocity of his delivery underscored the magnitude of this particular setback.
The defeat marks only the second league loss of the season for Celtic, who have otherwise enjoyed a dominant campaign under Rodgers’ stewardship. With a 13-point lead at the top of the table entering the match, the result won’t immediately derail their title aspirations, but it serves as a stark warning as the season approaches its critical stages. For Rodgers, the timing couldn’t be worse, with a Scottish Cup semi-final against the same St Johnstone side looming later this month—a rematch that now carries added weight after this upset.
Celtic fans, already vocal about individual performances—most notably targeting midfielder Arne Engels for his lackluster showing—will likely share Rodgers’ frustration. The £11 million signing from Augsburg has struggled to justify his price tag in recent weeks, and his ineffective display against St Johnstone only amplified calls from supporters for him to be benched or sold. Rodgers, however, avoided singling out individuals in his tirade, instead focusing on the collective malaise that gripped his team. “This isn’t about one player—it’s about all of us,” he insisted. “From the first minute to the last, we weren’t at it, and that’s on everyone, myself included.”
The loss hands St Johnstone a lifeline in their fight against relegation, boosting their confidence under manager Simo Valakari, who has struggled to turn the tide since taking charge. For Celtic, it’s a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar season, but one that Rodgers is determined to use as a wake-up call. “We’ll dissect this, we’ll learn from it, and we’ll come back stronger,” he concluded, though his stern expression suggested that the dressing room debrief would be anything but pleasant. With the Premiership split approaching and rivals Rangers lurking, Rodgers knows his side can ill afford another slip-up—especially with a fanbase and a manager now demanding a response in no uncertain terms.
