Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers began his tenure with Al Qadsiah by sharing the points in a 1–1 draw against Damac FC in the Saudi Pro League…
Brendan Rodgers, new manager at Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. Photo Al Qadsiah FC
The hosts were given an early setback when Valentin Vada struck inside four minutes to put Damac ahead and silence the home support.
Al Qadsiah found their response just before the interval, with ex-Atlanta striker Mateo Retegui curling an impressive effort home from outside the area to draw the game level.
Despite Damac being reduced to ten men late on, Rodgers’ side were unable to capitalise in the closing stages, and the contest ended 1-1 as the new era under Rodgers began with a draw.
Sitting fifth in the table, Al Qadsiah will quickly turn their attention to their next encounter, with a midweek trip to take on Al Shabab scheduled for Wednesday.
Rodgers, welcomed on his debut❤️#AlQadsiahDamac | #RoshnSaudiLeague
— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) December 28, 2025
Ahead of his opening fixture, Rodgers made a direct appeal to the club’s supporters, encouraging fans to back the side as he begins his spell in charge.
Crowd numbers have been modest throughout the campaign, with Al Qadsiah drawing an average attendance of 5,280, including a season-low turnout of 3,692 for their September meeting with Al-Najma.
Speaking to club media channels on X, the ex-Hoops boss who has been used to playing in front of 60,000 crowds at Celtic Park said: “My message to the fans would be to come along and support the players. I am used to big crowds and it would be nice to see a large crowd for my first game.”
“My aim is to deliver a positive result with a strong performance. I have been really impressed with the players’ mentality. It’s been excellent.”
“I am so enthusiastic for my first game here and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hear from Brendan before #AlQadsiahDamac 🎙️❤️ #RoshnSaudiLeague
— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) December 25, 2025
Who can begrudge Brendan for knocking back a lucrative Saudi deal? However, the intensity over at Al Qadsiah will feel rather different to the one he experienced over his two spells in charge at Celtic.
Conor Spence
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