‘I wouldn’t answer that – that’s something that’s private,’ Rodgers

BRENDAN RODGERS this afternoon refused to be drawn on whether he believes that Celtic are matching his on level of ambition for the club and the supporters.

“I wouldn’t answer that – that’s something that’s private,” Brendan said when asked the question.

“I’ve got a huge respect for the people that work at this club – the board and the directors.”

“They’ve created a very stable foundation and I have to respect that.

“Of course, as a manager, I always want the club to be the very best it can be for the supporters, but I have to maybe understand where the limits are sometimes.”

Where Rodgers personally sees these limits is something that he will now speak to Peter Lawwell about.

Both the BBC and a controlled Celtic fans site were quick to put out an alternative version of events surrounding the conclusion of the John McGinn transfer saga. The player eventually joined Aston Villa for £2.75million and Brendan Rodgers’ frustrations spilled over in his newspaper interviews earlier this week.

Whatever did or did not happen with McGinn is now old news and frankly few Celtic supporters are crying in their beer at the news that he opted for Villa than the club he supports.

The concern is 100% based on the manager. As we said last night, he is the best thing that has happened to Celtic since Henrik Larsson signed and the thought that he is discouraged by all of this is worrying to say the least.

Brendan was happier to talk about the football. Last night’s 1-1 draw against AEK Athens and the trip to play Hearts on the long grass on Saturday had him back to normal, talking about the games. Firstly on last night, he remains upbeat, proud of his players and impressed by the crowd’s response.

“I was very proud of our players, our performance and how they worked. The disappointment of not winning the game won’t override a lot of positive play last night,” Brendan said.

“The crowd were great, they were brilliant for us again. On another day we take our chances and we win the game. We’re more than capable of going out there and getting the result we want.”

Hearts boss Craig Levein was at Parkhead last night and hopes to take advantage of Celtic’s visit to Tynecastle being sandwiched between the crucial AEK Athens games – you can read what the Hearts boss has to say HERE. Rodgers clearly enjoys his tussles with Levein.

“I don’t know Craig that well but in my meetings with him I’ve enjoyed our short discussions. He’s put together a competitive team, I’m sure the grass will be long, I’ll anticipate it,” the Celtic manager stated.

“For me, it’s about football and bringing the best football game to the supporters. That won’t change with me. It’ll be a tough game for us, tough team to play but we go there looking to get three points.”

Back to the thorny issue of transfers, there were news on two imminent arrivals.

On Aussie midfielder Daniel Arzani: “Most of it is completed on our side. He’s been up here today. We hope for that to be completed over the next few days.”

On returning Celtic star Emilio Izaguirre: “In my time here, he was exceptional as a professional. He’s loved by other players and is a role model as professional. If we can do that, it’ll be a very good addition to help our squad and cover for young Kieran.”

Paddy Roberts did not join Huddersfield from Manchester City today and the English window is now closed. Roberts, or indeed other players, may be surplus to requirements at their parent club and this is an area where Rodgers could benefit.

Last night’s second half siege on the AEK goal would have been an ideal hunting ground for the sublime skills of Paddy Roberts!

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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