Honda Civic: Reliability, Reviews, and Why You Won’t Regret It
Rodgers Defends “Honda Civic” Comments After celtic’s Dundee Defeat, Eyes Europa League Response
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has staunchly defended his recent analogy comparing his current squad to a “Honda Civic” versus a “Ferrari,” following a damaging 2-0 defeat to Dundee on Sunday. The comments, widely interpreted as criticism of his players, came after a performance that left Celtic five points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts. rodgers reaffirmed his stance ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sturm Graz, attributing the difference in performance to key player departures.
Rodgers explained the analogy was rooted in a perceived loss of speed within the team, specifically referencing the departures of Kyogo Furuhashi (January) and Nicolas Kuhn (Summer), alongside the ongoing injury absence of Jota. “Clearly, it’s not the same as what we had last season,” he stated.”I’m pretty sure both of those cars got a different speed, so that was the reference to that.” He emphasized that the current squad possesses a “different profile of player” and acknowledged the resulting change in playing style.
The manager also provided an update on player availability, confirming that Daizen Maeda remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while alistair Johnston could potentially return from a long-term hamstring issue.Rodgers downplayed concerns about fan discontent, stating, “You can’t please everyone… The players know that I’m with them.”
The defeat to Dundee was also marred by a protest from disgruntled fans, who threw balls onto the pitch at the start of the game in an ongoing exhibition against the club’s board.
– davidthompson
Rodgers’ unwavering defense of his comments is a calculated risk. While potentially alienating some fans and players, it underscores his commitment to honest assessment and sets expectations accordingly. The loss of key attacking players has demonstrably altered Celtic’s dynamic.The “Honda Civic” analogy, while blunt, isn’t entirely inaccurate – it speaks to a shift from blistering pace to a more measured approach. The Europa League match against Sturm Graz offers a crucial possibility to regain momentum and demonstrate whether Rodgers can effectively adapt his tactics to the current squad’s strengths.The pressure is mounting, and the upcoming match against Hearts will be a critically important test of Celtic’s title aspirations.
Key Player Departures & Impact on Celtic’s Attack
The following table illustrates the key attacking players who have left Celtic since the start of the 2024-2025 season and their approximate goal contributions (goals + assists) in their last full season with the club:
| Player | Departure Date | Last Full Season Goal Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Kyogo Furuhashi | January 2025 | 34 |
| nicolas Kuhn | Summer 2025 | 8 |
| Jota | Ongoing (Injury) | 28 |
Rodgers acknowledged the need for the team to be “better and faster and more dynamic in our actions,” despite the altered player profile. He reiterated his support for the players and emphasized the focus on improving performance. The manager’s comments suggest a long-term project of squad rebuilding, rather than a quick fix, and a willingness to adapt his tactical approach to the available resources.