NafisaBrendan Rodgers is preparing for another major chapter in his managerial career, but the former Celtic boss already has a date with Glasgow that is likely to attract plenty of attention from supporters.
The Northern Irishman’s departure from Celtic in October 2025 remains a talking point among the club’s fanbase, with questions surrounding the circumstances of his exit yet to disappear completely.
Rodgers is scheduled to return to Glasgow next summer for an event where his Celtic departure is expected to feature prominently in discussions.
However, the former Hoops manager has not yet provided a detailed public account of the fallout from his Parkhead exit. That means his upcoming appearance could offer supporters an opportunity to hear more directly from the man at the centre of one of Celtic’s most debated managerial departures in recent years.
For now, though, Rodgers has other priorities.
The 53-year-old is concentrating on his work in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah, where his team have made an impressive start to the season and are competing at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
And his latest comments have focused on a development at his current club rather than the questions awaiting him when he returns to Scotland.
Rodgers has been speaking through Al-Qadsiah’s official channels about the club’s move to the new Aramco Stadium, and he was clearly impressed by what he saw.
“First impression was wow,” Rodgers said.
“I think when you drive up to the stadium and you see the vastness of actually how big it is, and this is my first time here, and then coming off the coach you walk in through the reception area and it’s really a spectacular stadium.
“It really sets apart the football club when you can come to somewhere like this here.
“Then just walking out onto the field, and 47,000, it’s just an incredible piece of structure and a brilliant, brilliant stadium.”
The former Celtic manager also explained what having such a facility means for the club and its wider ambitions.
“Well, I think firstly it brings pride to have a stadium of this magnitude.
“Right the way through Saudi Arabia, people will be so impressed.
“But to actually have it here and be our home, it fills you firstly with great pride.”
Rodgers’ enthusiasm suggests he is embracing the project in Saudi Arabia, where Al-Qadsiah are attempting to establish themselves among the leading sides in the domestic game.
He also spoke about the prospect of managing his team at the new venue for the first time.
“It’s going to be a huge privilege to be here to manage the team, and that first game to walk out, it will be really special.
“So I cannot wait.”
Those comments come at an important point in Al-Qadsiah’s campaign. According to the report, Rodgers’ side sit top of the Saudi Pro League with 22 points from nine matches, one point ahead of Al-Hilal.
Their immediate schedule is demanding, with an away fixture against Al-Taawoun followed by a league meeting with Al-Hilal before an AFC Champions League clash against Al Sadd.
Keeping his team ahead of their domestic rivals will therefore be Rodgers’ immediate concern.
Nevertheless, the confirmed Glasgow event gives Celtic supporters something else to anticipate.
Rodgers’ first spell at Celtic brought domestic success, and his subsequent return to the club placed him back under the spotlight. His departure in October 2025 generated significant debate, and the prospect of him discussing that period in front of an audience is likely to renew interest in the circumstances surrounding his exit.
There is, however, an important distinction between the event being expected to address his Celtic departure and Rodgers having already promised a full explanation. The available report does not establish that he has committed to answering every question surrounding his exit.
For Celtic supporters who remain frustrated, curious or simply interested in hearing his perspective, the Glasgow appearance could still be a significant occasion.
For now, Rodgers is focused on building his career at Al-Qadsiah, adapting to a new stadium and keeping his side near the summit of the Saudi Pro League.
The questions about Celtic can wait a little longer. But with his return to Glasgow already on the horizon, the conversation surrounding his Parkhead departure is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Nafisa
