Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has never been one to shy away from straight talk, and his latest comments have once again set the Scottish football scene buzzing. The Northern Irishman’s now-infamous “Honda Civic” analogy, aimed squarely at his underperforming Celtic squad, has drawn both criticism and admiration from fans and pundits alike. Yet, true to form, Rodgers remains unapologetic — insisting his words were not meant to humiliate, but to ignite a much-needed response from a team that, by his own admission, has not been operating at “Champions League level.”
The remark — a metaphor comparing certain players’ mentality and performance levels to an ordinary Honda Civic when the club demands Ferrari-like quality — was as sharp as it was symbolic. In the days since, it has become the talk of Scottish football, with supporters debating whether Rodgers went too far or simply told the hard truth. But for Rodgers himself, there’s no wavering. He stands by his choice of words, asserting that “sometimes, honesty is what drives standards back up.”
The ‘Honda Civic’ Moment How It All Started
The controversy began during Rodgers’ post-match press conference after Celtic’s disappointing draw against Dundee. It was a frustrating afternoon — missed chances, sloppy passing, and a general lack of urgency that has crept into Celtic’s performances in recent weeks. When asked about the team’s struggles, Rodgers didn’t mince his words.
“We’re Celtic Football Club,” he said. “This is not a place for passengers. You can’t turn up in a Honda Civic when the badge demands a Ferrari. That’s the level of ambition and intensity I expect.”
It was a statement laced with frustration but also purpose. To Rodgers, the metaphor wasn’t about luxury or status — it was about performance levels. In his view, Celtic players must aspire to the highest possible standards, both individually and collectively. Anything less than relentless commitment, he believes, is unacceptable for a club built on dominance and pride.
However, as is often the case in football, nuance gets lost in translation. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from outrage to amusement. Some fans accused Rodgers of disrespecting his players, while others applauded his candor. Regardless, the message was received loud and clear — complacency had crept into the squad, and the manager wasn’t having it.
Rodgers’ Philosophy Brutal Honesty as a Motivational Tool
Brendan Rodgers has always been a meticulous and emotionally intelligent manager. Known for his communication skills and attention to detail, he has built his reputation on developing players both technically and mentally. But beneath the calm exterior lies a steely determination to demand excellence.
When asked later about the fallout from his comments, Rodgers remained defiant.
“Look, it wasn’t meant to belittle anyone,” he clarified. “It was a message about mindset. If you want to play for Celtic, you have to operate at a certain standard every single day. You can’t go half-speed — not in this club, not with this history.”
Rodgers explained that in elite football, mindset often separates good players from great ones. “Some players are content just being comfortable,” he said. “But champions — they never settle. They push themselves beyond what’s expected. That’s the difference between a Civic and a Ferrari — it’s not the car, it’s the engine inside.”
This philosophy has defined Rodgers’ managerial journey from his early days at Swansea and Liverpool to his first successful spell at Celtic, where he led the club to back-to-back trebles. He has always championed high standards, and when those dip, his frustration tends to surface in sharp analogies like this one.
Inside the Dressing Room How Players Reacted
Behind closed doors, sources close to the club say the players’ reactions were mixed. Some veterans reportedly appreciated the challenge, viewing it as a wake-up call. Others, particularly younger or fringe players, felt stung by the public nature of the remark.
One player, speaking anonymously, admitted,
“It was tough to hear, but he’s not wrong. We’ve not been at the level we should be. It’s up to us to prove him right in a positive way.”
Another player, however, felt Rodgers’ comment could have been kept internal.
“We know when we’re not playing well. Sometimes you need an arm around the shoulder, not a headline. But that’s Brendan — he speaks his mind.”
Rodgers, for his part, has reportedly held one-on-one conversations with several players since the comment went viral. His message in private, sources say, has been consistent with his public stance — that standards at Celtic must reflect the club’s ambitions.
Training sessions at Lennoxtown in the following days were described as “intense” and “focused,” with Rodgers pushing his players through high-tempo drills designed to sharpen both their fitness and mentality.
The Context Celtic’s Stuttering Form
Rodgers’ remarks didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Celtic’s form leading up to the Dundee match had been inconsistent by their lofty standards. While still top of the Scottish Premiership table, their performances lacked the fluidity and aggression that fans have come to expect.
The team’s Champions League campaign has also been underwhelming, with lapses in concentration costing them valuable points. The defensive frailties that haunted them last season have resurfaced, and the attacking transitions have often been slow and predictable.
For Rodgers, who returned to Celtic with a mandate to restore European competitiveness, the dip in energy and focus has been unacceptable. The Honda Civic analogy, then, wasn’t just about motivation — it was a warning that mediocrity will not be tolerated.
“Celtic is built on a winning mentality,” he said later. “If we lose that edge — even for a moment — it shows. And that’s what I’m trying to correct.”
A Divided Fanbase Brutal Honesty or Unnecessary Pressure
Among the Celtic faithful, opinions about Rodgers’ comments have been divided. Some supporters admire his honesty, viewing it as a refreshing antidote to modern football’s cautious media speak. They believe his words could reignite the fire within a squad that might have grown too comfortable after domestic dominance.
Longtime fan Euan McAllister, from Glasgow’s East End, said,
“That’s the Brendan I remember — demanding, ruthless, ambitious. Celtic isn’t about settling for draws against teams like Dundee. We’re a winning club, and the players need to be reminded of that.”
Others, however, worry that such public criticism could create tension within the dressing room. “You motivate players differently these days,” said another supporter. “Some respond to tough love, but others shut down. I just hope it doesn’t backfire.”
Football pundits have weighed in as well. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, never one to shy away from opinion, defended Rodgers on Sky Sports.
“He’s spot on. Some players at Celtic have gone into cruise control. Rodgers is reminding them what this club stands for. It’s not disrespect — it’s accountability.”
Meanwhile, others, like former Scotland international Charlie Adam, argued that Rodgers should have handled it internally.
“Public criticism can alienate players,” Adam warned. “You can make your point behind closed doors. Once it’s out in the media, it becomes a distraction.”
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