‘I can’t answer that’ – Brendan Rodgers rejects Sky Sports reporter’s question after Celtic’s draw with Kairat Almaty

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Brendan Rodgers admits he is powerless when it comes to completing transfer deals at Celtic.

The Hoops manager oversaw his side’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty in the first leg of the Champions League play-off round on Wednesday evening.

Fans chanted ‘sack the board’ during and after the clash as frustrations at Celtic Park boiled over for the first time this season.

Celtic have 11 days of the transfer window left to sign two new wingers, a striker and potentially another left-back to support Kieran Tierney.

• READ MORE: Callum McGregor sends a message to the booing Celtic fans after Kairat Almaty stalemate

Celtic boss Rodgers ‘can’t answer’ Sky Sports question

And when Rodgers was asked by Sky Sports journalist Luke Shanley at his post-match press conference if he was frustrated that his team could not be in a better place before playing Kairat, he rejected the question.

He stressed getting transfer deals over the line isn’t his decision and his job is to coach the players he has at his disposal.

Shanley: “But you knew you had this game, Brendan. Does that add to the frustration that this was always potentially going to be a tough tie whoever you got, and maybe being in a better place before going into it?”

Rodgers: “Yeah, but I can’t answer that because it’s not my decision in the end. You know, I can prepare the team, the staff, and the players that are here have been fantastic over pre-season.

“We are all clear on what we need to improve, and for whatever reason, we haven’t been able to do that.

“So now we are in this position and we have to accept it, not dwell on it and try to come through it for Saturday and for Tuesday.”

What now for Celtic?

Probably the most crucial week-and-a-half of Celtic’s season is upon them and we are only at the end of August.

The Hoops have until 19:00 BST on September 1 to complete their transfer business before the window re-opens at the beginning of January.

As mentioned, at least three new players are required by then, while Celtic also need to ensure they progress to the Champions League league phase.

The Bhoys play Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this Saturday before travelling to Kazakhstan on Sunday for Tuesday’s second leg.