Celtic short changed by complaining Compper

Marvin Compper was always going to be pat of the story when Celtic play his former club RB Leipzig in the Europa League. The player who has managed just 81 minutes of football since arriving at Celtic – we actually had an exclusive on The Celtic Star back in March revealing that he would be starting against Morton in the Scottish Cup.

What we didn’t know was that would be it as far as playing for Celtic is concerned.

Compper gave an interview – presumably one unauthorised by the club – to a German newspaper this week – see HERE – in which he complained about not getting a chance now that he is fit. He also revealed that Celtic advised him in the summer to find a new club.

Given the wages he is on at Celtic Park and the likelihood that there would be little interest in the injury prone veteran, Compper decided to sit tight at Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers was asked about Compper’s chances of ever playing for Celtic again, when the Celtic manager arrived in Germany with his team yesterday afternoon.

“I’m not sure. When Marvin came to the club last year we wanted to use his experience. He was injured in that first six months.

“I made it clear to him in the summer there were players who came in during that six months and they had jumped ahead of him,” Brendan said.

The Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick, who has a high regard for Brendan Rodgers, also had his say on the defender that he sold to Celtic at the start of this year.

“I talked with Brendan a few years ago when he was with Liverpool. We exchanged ideas and spoke about our jobs at the time.

“Since then I’ve been following him. He’s in his third year at Celtic and with Marvin Compper going there, we keep an eye on what is happening in Glasgow.

“Myself and Marvin had high expectations after his transfer to Celtic. He’s had to fight injury problems and couldn’t train for a long time.

“I’ve known him a long time and he’s a leader on the pitch. But he can only show it if he’s playing.

“We chatted a few weeks ago and we wish him all the best.”

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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