Rodgers Confident He’ll Rekindle Iheanacho’s Best at Celtic

Brendan Rodgers says he believes Kelechi Iheanacho can rediscover his top form now that he has arrived at Celtic. Rodgers, who previously coached Iheanacho at Leicester City, spoke this week about the striker’s fitness, attitude and potential.

Iheanacho joined Celtic as a free agent this summer after his spell at Sevilla. Rodgers admitted the past 18 months haven’t gone exactly as Iheanacho would have hoped, but expressed confidence that the striker’s return to a familiar style under him could bring out the best in his ability.

His optimism wasn’t misplaced Iheanacho made an immediate positive impact. During his debut for Celtic, he came off the bench and scored a last-gasp penalty to secure the win over Kilmarnock. Rodgers believes that moment will do much for Iheanacho’s confidence.

Rodgers has also spoken of Iheanacho’s physical condition, saying he is among the leanest players at the club. While match fitness may still need time, Rodgers trusts that with consistent work Ixheanacho can provide robust attacking contributions.

Editorial

We welcome Brendan Rodgers’ belief in Kelechi Iheanacho it is precisely the sort of statement that can catalyse a turnaround. Knowing a player so well, having worked with him during better days, gives Rodgers the insight needed both to manage expectations and to coax out performance. Iheanacho’s move to Celtic wasn’t just about finding a club; it was about re-finding form and proving that last season’s dips didn’t define him.

Iheanacho’s debut goal, under pressure in stoppage time, shows that the composure is still there. Such moments tend to matter just as much as talent because they start to rebuild trust: trust with the manager, with teammates, with fans and critically, self-trust. Rodgers’ praise of his physique (‘leanest players’) and his acknowledgement of what has gone wrong, while expressing what can go right, is a balanced approach. It blends realism and ambition—the kind of coaching that encourages a player without hiding from hard truths.

At risk, though, is the assumption that one or two flashes will be enough. Form is seldom linear. Iheanacho must stay fit, sharp, and mentally resilient. Celtic will expect goals, but equally he must influence play, adapt when the team needs him, and bounce back from quieter games. Rodgers has a strong hand here: familiarity, faith, and chances to integrate Iheanacho into a style that suits him.

We believe that with this reunion, both Rodgers and Iheanacho are at a moment of opportunity. If Iheanacho can translate Rodgers’ faith into consistent contributions, then both the player and the club may gain much. This is a moment for resurgence and it might just be the start of Iheanacho’s best form yet.

Did You Know?<

1. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty on his Celtc debut against Kilmarnock, entering the match as a substitute.
2. Iheanacho moved to Celtic on a free transfer after leaving Sevilla in the summer.
3. Rodgers once coached Iheanacho at Leicester City, where the forward had some of his more productive seasons.
4. Despite recent struggles, Rodgers described Iheanacho as “one of the leanest players” at Celtic, pointing to good physical condition though match sharpness might need time.
5. The last 18 months, according to Rodgers, have not gone as Iheanacho would have liked, but his age (28) and experience give Rodgers reason to believe he can “get him firing again.”