Latest; Kris Boyd claims Brendan Rodgers is “playing to the galleries”

Latest; Kris Boyd claims Brendan Rodgers is “playing to the galleries”

With Celtic gearing up for a critical Glasgow Derby, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has accused manager Brendan Rodgers of pandering to the fans during his second spell at the club.With Celtic gearing up for a critical Glasgow Derby, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has accused manager Brendan Rodgers of pandering to the fans during his second spell at the club.Boyd, now a Sky Sports analyst, claims that Rodgers’ public persona has changed as a result of the Premier League’s tight title competition.

Rodgers, who returned to Celtic Park following a stint with Leicester City, is in charge of Celtic’s bid for a third straight league title. Boyd believes the Northern Irishman has been “playing to the galleries” to win over a sector of Celtic fans who were hesitant to welcome his comeback following his abrupt departure in 2019.

The criticism comes after a series of discussions between Rodgers and Rangers boss Philippe Clement, who responded to Rodgers’ remarks about looking forward to “having some fun” in the derby. Boyd believes that both managers have exhibited unusual behavior as the title race heats up.

He stated in the Scottish Sun: “We’ve seen two sides to both Old Firm managers in this title race. Brendan Rodgers was an absolute class act during his first term as Celtic manager. But this season, he’s been playing to the gallery much too much for my taste. We’ve also seen Philippe Clement show indications of feeling the heat for the first time. Now, we’ll see which manager handles the strain at Celtic Park—and gets their hands on the Premiership title in the coming days.

“The way Rogers behaved himself the last time gave him a certain air of class. He was never one to brag. He’d never make a big deal about winning a game or lifting a trophy. But what about when the pressure is on? The Parkhead manager has been desperate to give the club’s supporters what they want to hear.

“He’ll get away with it, too. Barring a spectacular collapse, Celtic will be winners this season, and Rodgers will lift the Premiership title for the third time. The fans he hoped to please would stand and applaud. But I’ve listened to what Rodgers has said and thought to myself multiple times, ‘That’s just not you.

“He was not like that when he first returned. Rodgers was gutsy enough to admit he had no regrets about leaving Glasgow for Leicester in 2019. But when fans began to inquire about the outcomes and performances, he altered his tune. When Rangers clawed their way back into the title race, he displayed a different side of himself.

“Rodgers attempted to create the impression that Celtic were not receiving enough praise from the press and commentators alike. Some fans bought it, but the astute ones saw it for what it was. Rodgers did, however, mostly successful in winning over the fans who refused to welcome him back to the club with open arms.”

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