Brendan Rodgers has revealed that there will be no complacency within Celtic’s ranks despite facing managerless St Johnstone tomorrow. The Scottish Champions travel to Perth to face the Saints, who dismissed Craig Levein after a poor start to the season.
Speaking at his media conference on Friday, Brendan admitted it was a shame to see Levein depart but that his side would need to play their own game and make things difficult for the hosts.
“I think professional players will always look to do their very best. Clearly, it’s a shame Craig has now left there, a very experienced manager.
“Andy and the guys that are there now are obviously holding the fort, and they’ll have the team prepared and ready for the game, so clearly, if there’s a manager in place, you know their philosophy, their football ideas and of course, that allows you to understand it better.
“But I still think looking at how they play and how they’ve been, we’ll get an idea of how they’ll work, but for us it’s really about ourselves and bringing our rhythm to the game and making it very difficult for St Johnstone.”
The Celtic manager then reflected on Levein’s dismissal, opining that it was the nature of the game – one that Levein has been involved in for some time.
“I think it’s a shame, obviously, for Craig.
“He’s a really experienced manager and dips in and out of the media and has done other roles, so for him it won’t be a surprise because sometimes, no matter how well you can be doing, if an owner wakes up one morning and you’re not to be the manager, then you’re out. All you can do is do your best.”
The former Hearts and Dundee United manager will likely return to punditry imminently with BBC and comment upon the happenings in Scottish football. It is unlikely that another top flight side would take him on but he did save the Saints from relegation, something that he can add to his CV.
Scott Brown had been linked with the Premiership vacancy but the Ayr United boss decided to commit his future to the Somerset Park side, signing a deal until 2027.
