Hearts boss slams ‘disrespectful’ Rodgers
GLASGOW: Brendan Rodgers was labelled an ‘absolute disgrace’ by fuming Hearts boss Jon Daly after the Celtic chief’s comments about the Edinburgh club’s managerial upheaval.
Hearts interim coach Daly was furious with Rodgers for his prematch criticism of the departure of former Jambos boss Ian Cathro.
Rodgers slammed the Hearts hierarchy, specifically their recruitment policy, as he expressed sympathy for Cathro, who worked under director of football Craig Levein, after he was sacked this week only seven months in the job.
“It always seemed a bit confused for me in terms of what he wanted, and maybe what other people wanted,” Rodgers told the media.
“You know, you’re trying to play football and you’re bringing in players who play a direct game. So, it makes me ask about where the players are coming from? And if they’re his?”
But following his side’s 4- 1 defeat at Parkhead on Saturday, Daly, who previously worked as Hearts Under-20s coach, took aim at the Celtic boss.
“I can understand his comments about the manager leaving because we don’t want to see managers lose their jobs,” the former Rangers player said.
“However, once he starts to talk about recruitment of players and how they will fit into the system then I think it’s very poor form. I think a manager of his calibre should know better.
“To comment on it when he knows nothing about our structure is an absolute disgrace. It’s very disrespectful.”
However, Rodgers attempted to defuse the row and said he had no problem with Hearts or Daly.
“For me there is no issue with it and there is no drama,” he said. “My focus was on the game and my empathy was for the former manager, Ian Cathro.
“Like I said when I first came up here, I will always be open. I will say what I think and then move on.” — AFP