Dundee boss Steven Pressley has given an insight into how Brendan Rodgers was feeling prior to his resignation as Celtic manager…
Brendan Rodgers on the Celtic bench at Dens Park. Dundee v Celtic. 19 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
The Hoops’ final Scottish Premiership league outings under Rodgers both ended in defeats, and Pressley – who contributed to that run – has now reflected on the former Celtic manager’s mindset during that period.
Rodgers’ tenure reached breaking point after a 3-1 defeat away to Hearts at Tynecastle, a result that left the reigning Scottish champions losing ground in the title race.
Dundee manager Steven Pressley. Dundee v Celtic. 19 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
That setback came shortly after a Europa League victory over Sturm Graz, while the week before had brought another league defeat against Dundee at Dens Park.
On that occasion, Pressley’s side – then positioned near the bottom of the table – delivered an inspired performance to claim a 2-0 victory, with Clark Robertson finding the net with a header before a Cameron Carter-Vickers own goal sealed an historic win for Dundee.
The match also became notable for Rodgers’ now well-known comparison between his squad and a Honda Civic versus a Ferrari.
Steven Pressley is all smiles. Dundee v Celtic. 19 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Pressley has since spoken warmly of Rodgers, revealing the two shared a conversation over coffee, and stressing the respect he holds for the Irishman as a coach.
Speaking via X, Pressley said: “He’s a hugely experienced manager, and actually Brendan was in my office prior to the game. We sat and had a coffee because he’s a manager that I do admire and he’s got a wealth of knowledge.”
“So we spoke for some time, and I could sense when he was in my office prior to the game that there was some frustrations, that he wasn’t entirely happy about certain things.”
“So, was I absolutely shocked by that? Not completely. I think he had a number of issues and concerns. But let’s not forget what a good job he did.”
Steven Pressley on Rangers v Celtic rivalry in Scotland squad 🔵⚔️🟢
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📺 https://t.co/ijUV6ed7V8 pic.twitter.com/sh3moVtxIN— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) December 19, 2025
Yes, let’s not forget that and also remember what those issues were, the ones that are currently biting us on the backside as we spiral towards collapse after four consecutive defeats, the first time that has happened since the season of disarray back in 1978. You did this Michael, you did it…
Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson and Celtic Chief Financial Officer Chris Mackay in the directors box. Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 07 December 2025. IMAGO photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
Conor Spence
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