Daizen Maeda given Henrik Larsson comparison by Brendan Rodgers

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Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media a little later than usual this afternoon, ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee at Celtic Park with the Celtic manager noting that a win will take his side 13 points clear with 13 games to go…

Jeffrey Schlupp celebrates
Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on April 27, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

As you would expect there was plenty said about the transfer window that closed last night with Celtic signing Jeffrey Schlupp on loan from Crystal Palace minutes before the window ‘slammed shut’. Schlupp joins Jota as the two January signings as Celtic failed to secure a striker to replace Kyogo after the want-away Japanese striker joined French side Rennes.  Here’s everything that was said…

Jota celebrates
Jota celebrates his first goal goal after rejoining Celtic, Motherwell v Celtic, 2nd February 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Q: Brendan, how do you look back on deadline day and the window as a whole?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, we’ve done some really good business in the window. Probably one or two things that didn’t quite drop for us that we would have liked. But however it ends, you know the squad you have. Fundamentally, we’re here to develop the players now for the rest of the season that are here. So, bringing in Jota, fantastic player for us. We can see that even just in his return, those early stages. So, we’re excited to work with him. Jeffrey we bring in and I’m delighted to have him in here. We obviously weren’t planning to lose Alex Valle but to be able to then bring in a really experienced player who’s got great physical qualities, technical qualities, big experience to support Greg. Then yeah, we’re obviously delighted with those guys coming in.”

Q: Obviously you’ve been speaking a lot about strikers since Kyogo went. What level of frustration do you attach to not being able to bring in a replacement in that area?

Brendan Rodgers:  “Virtually all my career, I’ve got really good players. Some world-class players in the January window. But it’s sometimes about the availability. It’s sometimes about the affordability. There is a little bit of a premium in January, of course, in this period. You may have to pay a little bit more, but that’s natural. But I didn’t think there was anything too outward to what would hurt us as a club.”

Brendan Rodgers chats to Kieran Tierney at the Celtic FC Foundation event in London
Brendan Rodgers chats to Kieran Tierney at the Celtic FC Foundation event in London on Friday 11 October 2024. Photo: Celtic FC Foundation

Q: How close were you, or were you close to getting Kieran Tierney up in January?

Brendan Rodgers: “No, it wasn’t close. I think it was clear, obviously, Kieran is for the summer. If that was the possibility, then that was on Arsenal’s terms. If it was to happen, then great. But clearly, he was a part of their squad. He’ll be here in the summer.”

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds 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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