Brendan Rodgers enjoying return to attacking football after Al-Qadsiah win

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is thriving in his latest coaching role, embracing the opportunity to return to his preferred brand of “attacking football.” The Northern Irishman, who took over Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah earlier this season, has overseen a remarkable turnaround in the team’s fortunes, guiding them up the league table with a style that reflects his long-held footballing philosophy.

When Rodgers arrived, Al-Qadsiah were struggling in 11th place, facing an uphill battle to improve results. Since then, his influence has been immediately noticeable, with the team climbing to fifth in the league. This resurgence has been punctuated by a series of strong performances, including two wins and a draw in his opening fixtures, signaling both tactical discipline and attacking intent.

The club’s most recent fixture saw Rodgers’ side produce a dominant 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh, a result that showcased both efficiency in front of goal and solid organisation at the back. Notably, the match came the day after Rodgers’ former team, Celtic, suffered a 3-1 defeat to Rangers, a reminder of the different challenges he faces in his new environment. Despite the gulf in leagues, Rodgers has shown the same commitment to entertaining, proactive football that defined his earlier managerial career.

Speaking after the game, Rodgers expressed satisfaction with both the team’s performance and their determination, qualities that have been evident since his arrival. “From the very beginning of my coaching career, I have liked to play attacking football, and this is what I will continue to do here,” he said. “I want my teams to have an identity of attacking football.” His words underline a consistent philosophy: building teams that prioritize forward momentum, creativity, and proactive play, rather than simply reacting to opponents.

Rodgers’ approach at Al-Qadsiah demonstrates that he values more than just results; he emphasizes the balance between attack and defence. The clean sheet against Al-Riyadh was particularly satisfying, not only because it reinforced the team’s defensive stability but also because it reflected the players’ ability to implement tactical instructions effectively. “We struck a balance between attack and defence, and this was evident in our style of play and organisation throughout the match,” Rodgers explained. “We learned from the mistakes we made in the last game and we kept a clean sheet, which is important and reflects the team’s progress.”

Since taking charge, Rodgers has consistently encouraged his squad to adopt a proactive mindset. He wants his teams to start matches hungry and aggressive from the first minute, setting the tone and maintaining control through both positional play and pressing. “We started strongly, which is always what I want, for my team to be hungry from the first minute,” he said, praising the players for their focus and intensity.

Rodgers’ tenure at Al-Qadsiah so far highlights how his philosophy has translated effectively across different leagues and football cultures. While he faced challenges adapting to a new environment in Saudi Arabia — including differences in player experience, style of play, and tactical expectations — he has been able to instil the core principles that have defined his managerial career: attacking football, team organisation, and disciplined execution.

The improvement in results and the team’s visible confidence on the pitch suggests that Rodgers’ methods are resonating. Beyond the tactical setup, the players have responded to his emphasis on cohesion and identity, understanding their roles both in attack and defence. This balance has allowed Al-Qadsiah to play with freedom in the final third while maintaining defensive shape, a combination that has been critical to their recent successes.

Rodgers has made no secret of his desire to leave a lasting mark at Al-Qadsiah. He is committed not just to improving league standings but also to establishing a team that embodies a clear footballing philosophy, one that prioritises positional awareness, fluid attack, and strategic pressing. This mirrors his work at Celtic, where his teams were noted for their energetic, forward-thinking style, yet also reflects a pragmatic approach suited to the challenges of Saudi football.

The emphatic win against Al-Riyadh underlines Rodgers’ ability to implement his vision quickly. It also provides a template for how the team can continue to climb the league table, blending attacking flair with defensive responsibility. For Rodgers, the satisfaction comes not just from the scoreline but from the evidence that the squad is adapting to his methods, responding to his coaching, and learning from previous setbacks.

As he continues his project at Al-Qadsiah, Brendan Rodgers appears to be thriving in an environment where he can once again emphasise attacking football. The early signs are promising, with league progression, tactical coherence, and player buy-in all pointing toward a successful tenure. For the former Celtic boss, the combination of immediate results and a clear footballing identity seems to have reignited his passion for the game, proving that even in a new league, his approach can yield both entertainment and effectiveness on the pitch.