The preliminary assertion from Celtic on Monday was Rodgers had resigned. Then got here the assertion from Desmond, reiterating this, whereas additionally launching a broadside on the former supervisor.
It was the primary illustration of retaliation from the higher echelons of the membership to a public narrative from Rodgers.
Because the summer season, the now former Celtic supervisor has been repeatedly requested about – and answered – the shortage of switch exercise, and likewise the standard of those that had been really introduced in.
How did the switch window go away Rodgers feeling? “Empty” he instructed his press convention on 12 September.
In that very same media alternative, he went on to talk of “cowardly” actions from a membership insider who instructed a newspaper he was attempting to producer an exit.
He additionally waxed lyrical concerning his “large respect” for Desmond.
The necessity for assist in his staff was clear: Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn had been each offered, whereas Jota's return has been marred by a long-term harm.
This has been compounded by new gamers struggling to make an influence, plus accidents to key gamers.
Solely three summer season recruits began the defeat by Hearts on Sunday.
The outcome? A fairly limp opening to a disappointing marketing campaign. Eight factors off leaders Hearts with factors dropped in 4 video games, and out of the Champions League whereas not scoring a purpose in opposition to Kazakhstan aspect Kairat Almaty in a play-off.
