John Barnes Critiques Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic Tenure

Former Celtic star John Barnes has sparked debate with his recent comments on Brendan Rodgers' time at the helm of the Scottish giants. Barnes, who himself managed Celtic in the late '90s, suggested that Rodgers had it 'easy' during his second stint at the club, which ended last season.

Barnes pointed out that Celtic's dominance in the Scottish Premiership under Rodgers was facilitated by Rangers' comparative struggles. 'When Brendan was at Celtic, Rangers were not at their best,' Barnes remarked, implying that the lack of strong competition made Rodgers' job less challenging. This perspective has stirred discussions among fans and pundits alike, with some defending Rodgers' achievements, including back-to-back league titles and a treble in his first season back.

Rodgers, who has since moved to Leicester City, remains a revered figure at Celtic for his trophy-laden spells. However, Barnes' critique adds a layer of scrutiny to how success is perceived, especially in the context of rivalry with Rangers. As the Scottish football scene continues to evolve, such insights from former players like Barnes offer a unique lens through which to view the dynamics of the game in Scotland.

• Brendan Rodgers
• Celtic
• John Barnes