Brendan Rodgers admits Celtic return has been his most challenging season but welcomes 'magic carpet ride' alternative

He'd only just survived the storm of being accused of casual sexism. One week later on Sunday afternoon, Brendan Rodgers turned up at Tynecastle and waded straight into the eye of a blazing VAR controversy.

That night he invited Liel Abada to his family home to bid a personal and emotional farewell to the most talented winger in his squad. All because of an insurmountable stalemate between the player’s country of birth and the geo-political ideology of the Celtic ultras. And then Rodgers found himself facing a potential touchline ban at a potentially season-defining Old Firm showdown over the post match comments which he thought he’d left behind at the other end of the M8.

If this city and its ancient rivalry is like no other, then this particular season appears to be testing the kind of boundaries that even a manager of Rodgers’ vast experience has never crossed before. “It’s certainly been the most challenging season as a manager that I’ve had, but that’s all part of it,” Rodgers said with a hint of a wince as he reflected on the chaos of these last few weeks.

“It’s the football aspect that I love - that’s the bit that I really enjoy. Of course, the other stuff that comes with it is part of the territory when you’re at a big club, but it’s all a part of the modern game.

“That’s the challenge you have as a manager. During my first time here, I had a magic carpet ride. Any issues were fine and easily dealt with. This season, it feels like there are lots of other elements. But that’s OK - that’s what I get paid for.

“But there’s no doubt it has been my most challenging year as a manager and I’ve managed a long time now. Lots of stuff I’ve had to deal with this season has been new. But you’ve got to get through that.