Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Stands by 'Honda Civic' Comments After Defeat

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has doubled down on his "Honda Civic" remarks, insisting he has no regrets following the team's 2-0 defeat by Dundee.
After Sunday's Scottish Premiership loss, Rodgers had likened his players to a Honda Civic, suggesting they couldn't perform like a Ferrari due to the team's lack of pace and quality following a disappointing summer transfer window.
"It's based around the speed in our team," Rodgers explained. "Clearly, it's not the same as what we had last season. I'm pretty sure both of those cars go at a different speed, so that was the reference to that."
The Hoops have struggled to replace key players like Kyogo, Adam Idah, and Nicolas Kuhn, who contributed 58 goals last season. With winger Jota still injured, Celtic has failed to score in six of their opening 14 matches this term. Rodgers has repeatedly criticized the club's transfer business and the failure to adequately replace departed players.
Despite the backlash, Rodgers maintains that he is committed to his players and motivated to turn things around. "I'm not really worried, to be honest," he said. "You can't please everyone, and nobody's trying to do that now. The players know that I'm with them, I've always been with them."
Celtic faces Austrian side Sturm Graz in Glasgow on Thursday, seeking their first win in Europe this season. Domestically, they trail league leaders Hearts by five points and could fall further behind after their next match at Tynecastle Park on Sunday.

Rodgers' frustrations extend beyond the pitch, with supporters protesting against the board and the manager entering the final year of his contract. Despite delivering 11 trophies across two spells at Celtic, the 52-year-old insists he is more motivated than ever to succeed.
"I'm so determined to try and turn the feeling around, the feeling on and off the pitch," Rodgers said. "This is an amazing club, and I can never expect a Celtic team to go on and lose these types of games."
Celtic faces a crucial period, both on and off the pitch, as they aim to bounce back from their recent struggles and restore their status as Scottish football's dominant force.