Brendan Rodgers on lingering Celtic negativity after return as boss concedes something has 'felt different'

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t need to lick his finger and stick it out the window to test the weather around Celtic Park these days. He knows there are storm clouds all around right now – but it’s a foreboding feeling he’s had from the first second he stepped back into Parkhead.

Rodgers felt right at home making a return but something was off – and it hasn’t felt right all season. It’s a malevolent force he didn’t experience for a single second in his first spell in charge. The Irishman is hoping the return of the Green Brigade today can be a watershed moment in banishing the demons that have engulfed the place this term. He desperately wants to get back to that feeling of unity he had during that all-conquering first spell in charge.

However, he is aware the threat this is all causing to his dream – and he even dropped a subtle hint he might not stick around if he believes he is too big a part of the problem. There’s undoubtedly been a huge disconnect between Celtic and a lot of the supporters this term. Some were unhappy at the Rodgers return and unwilling to forgive and forget about the manner of his sharp exit to Leicester City five years before.

But then there was frustration about summer spending, protests over Palestine, board frustration over fan behaviour and an eventual ban for the controversial ultras group. Chairman Peter Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson have also copped it. And with all that going on, performances – and then results – started to slide, reaching a bitter crescendo after the Hearts loss last weekend when the Hoops directors and even poor Santa felt the fury of angry punters.

Celtic Park was Paradise first time around but it’s been a haunted house this time and Rodgers is praying the Green Brigade