Brendan Rodgers admitted that he had taken steps to deal with unsettled winger Liel Abada. After
the conflict between Israel and Palestine began, the Israeli media question whether Abada might continue in Glasgow due to the Green Brigade’s Pro-Palestine gesture ahead of the win over Kilmarnock.
However, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s trip to Tynecastle, the Irishman admitted that he had taken out the winger for a meal to discuss matters and that he was confident that the 22-year-old would want to continue at Celtic.
“I went for a meal with Liel last week. It was just to see what he was thinking and where he was at.
“He’s fine. Naturally, he’s sad, like us all, by what is happening. It’s a really divisive subject in terms of what is happening.
“But he knows he has the support of every true Celtic supporter. Every person here at the club is all backing him.
Celtic v St. Johnstone – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park St Johnstone s Graham Carey and Celtics Liel Abada left battle for the ball during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday August 26, 2023. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xStevexWelshx 73462254
“Liel knows everyone here is very supportive of him. Any Celtic fan I’ve known over the years has always supported the Celtic player.
“He’s had conversations with the board and everyone else. It’s hard for a father to watch when you see some of the images of what’s going on but when you’re so close to it and it’s from his country then of course it’s even harder.
“But he’s okay. He’s just concentrating on getting himself fit.”
Since arriving in the summer of 2021, Abada has been an excellent acquisition by Celtic and now, it looks as if we have the perfect manager in charge to deal with the current issue. The Celtic manager dealt with the player in the best possible manner by getting an arm around him and convincing him that he will not face a backlash from fans over his nationality.
Abada is due back in December after sustaining an injury whilst on international duty back in September. The winger required to get surgery and is working his way back through his rehabilitation still.
In 106 appearances, Abada has assisted 21 times while netting on 29 occasions. The numbers are spectacular for a player of his age and there is a feeling that the player can go further under the coaching of Rodgers.