Celtic's Champions League Disaster Just Made Brendan Rodgers Way More Available

By Lewis Barnett 27 August, 2025 5 mins read 98 Views

Well, that escalated quickly.

Just 24 hours ago, Nottingham Forest's dream of snagging Brendan Rodgers from Celtic seemed like a long shot. The Northern Irishman was comfortably perched at Parkhead, Champions League football on the horizon, everything looking rosy. Then last night happened. And honestly? Marinakis must be grinning like the Cheshire Cat right about now.

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Kazakhstan Just Changed Everything

Celtic crashing out of the Champions League to Kairat Almaty on penalties wasn't just embarrassing - it was a gift-wrapped opportunity for Forest's Greek owner. I mean, losing to a team from Kazakhstan that most people couldn't find on a map? That's the kind of result that makes even the most loyal managers start eyeing the exit door.

My mate who covers Scottish football texted me at 11:47 PM: "Rodgers looks like he wants to disappear into the turf." Can't blame him, really.

The Europa League is fine and all, but it's not exactly the glamorous European nights Celtic fans were dreaming about. And for a manager of Rodgers' caliber? It's got to sting. Forest, meanwhile, are gearing up for their own European adventure - their first since 1996, which feels like ancient history at this point.

Nuno's Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Here's where things get messy for the Portuguese boss. Espirito Santo has been publicly airing his grievances about Forest's transfer business this summer, which is never a good look when your owner has a reputation for... let's call it "decisive action" when it comes to managers.

The 51-year-old basically called out the club for being too slow in the market. Bold move, considering Marinakis isn't exactly known for his patience. Then there's the reported bust-up with Edu Gaspar - yeah, the same Edu who just joined from Arsenal with all that clout. When you're having rows with the new director of football, your job security isn't exactly rock solid.

"This is how football is," Nuno said when asked about exit rumors. Translation: I know I'm walking a tightrope here.

The Shortlist That Actually Matters

Sure, Marinakis has other names floating around - Marco Silva, Ange Postecoglou, even Jose Mourinho (because why not add some chaos to the mix?). But sources close to the club keep coming back to one name: Rodgers.

It makes sense, doesn't it? The guy took Leicester to an FA Cup win, had Liverpool playing some of the most entertaining football in years, and knows how to handle big personalities. Plus, he's already proven he can walk away from Celtic when a better opportunity comes knocking - he did it in 2019 to join Leicester.

Brendan's "Three-Year Promise" Just Got Tested

Last week, Rodgers was adamant about staying put. "I said I'd be here three years. I'm here for three years," he declared. Classic manager speak, really. But that was before his team bottled it against opposition that shouldn't have been able to live with Celtic's reserves.

The timing couldn't be worse (or better, depending on your perspective). Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership after three games, chasing their fifth consecutive title. But European humiliation has a way of changing everything. Ask any manager - domestic success means nothing if you're getting knocked out by teams nobody's heard of.

Forest have been busy in the transfer market recently, bringing in Douglas Luiz, Kalimuendo-Muinga, James McAtee, and a handful of others. The infrastructure is there. The European football is there. The question is whether Rodgers' pride can handle another dramatic exit from Glasgow.

Something tells me we'll find out sooner rather than later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Premier League governed by financial regulations?

Financial Fair Play (FFP), also known as Premier League financial regulations, is intended to keep clubs from overspending and to encourage financial stability. These rules oblige clubs to limit losses over a 3-year period, and to make sure that their expenses do not exceed their income from football-related activity. The regulations aim to promote responsible spending, and to maintain a competitive balance in the league.

What is the role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier League?

In the Premier League the Video Assistant Referee System (VAR) is used to help on-field referees make the right decisions in cases such as goals, penalty decisions and direct red cards. The VAR watches the video footage of the incident, and then advises the match referee. This referee can choose to watch a replay before making the final call. The system is designed to reduce human error that can affect the outcome of matches.

What distinguishes the Premier League from other European football leagues?

The Premier League differs from other European Leagues in several ways, such as its global appeal and financial strength. It also has a competitive depth. The Premier League has a large international audience, and lucrative TV rights deals. The Premier League is also known for being unpredictable. On any given matchday lower-ranked sides have a good chance to defeat the top teams. The unique identity of the Premier league is also a result of the intensity in the stadiums, and the fast-paced nature of play.

What happens if a team finishes at the bottom in the Premier League?

At the end of each Premier League season, the teams that finish in the bottom three positions of the league table are relegated to the Championship, which is the second tier of English football. The top two teams in the Championship along with the champion of the Championship playoffs are promoted into the Premier League the following season.

What community initiatives are supported by the Premier League?

The Premier League provides support for a broad range of community-based initiatives designed to improve the lives of people through football. These initiatives include education and sport development programs for children, promoting inclusivity for underrepresented football groups, and assisting projects that use the power of football to create positive social change. Premier League’s global reach allows them to have an impact on the UK as well as beyond, and emphasizes football’s potential to contribute towards societal wellbeing.

Statistics

The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.
In the 1995–96 season, Manchester United achieved the largest title-winning margin, finishing 18 points clear of the second-placed team.
The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.

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How To

How To Choose a Premier League Team to Support

Choosing a Premier League team to support can be a personal decision influenced by different factors. You may be drawn by a team's playing style, history, geography, or iconic players. If you are interested in a club that shares your values, research their culture and values. Perhaps it is a well-known underdog or an aggressive football team. Attending several matches in-person, or watching them via television, will allow you to experience the excitement of different teams. Your choice should be one that you feel emotionally and brings you joy.