One of the most illuminating answers from Brendan Rodgers’ first official interview since returning as Celtic manager came on the recruitment structure now in place at the club.
Rodgers famously left for Leicester City in 2019. It was a controversial decision, with many fans feeling he left the club in the lurch as we pushed for another treble. That argument undoubtedly has merit but there were reasons behind his disillusionment at the Bhoys. There was a disconnection between himself and the board, with that schism clear to see in the prior summer transfer window – ‘terminado’ and all that.
Pleasing then that he sounds much happier with the structure at the club in place right now, working alongside Mark Lawwell as the head of recruitment and Michael Nicholson as chief executive.
He referenced the pair when asked about new signing Odin Thiago Holm, who signed a five-year contract with the club today. Clearly, he was identified and pursued before Rodgers was in place as boss – something that the new manager is comfortable with.
The Celtic manager said [Celtic TV]: “First of all, when Michael Nicholson took me through the structure and where it is at, from when I was here, I can see a clear change in that infrastructure and the team behind the football team.
“Mark Lawwell has done a brilliant job with the recruitment. You can see the markets the club are operating in. He’s done a great job in bringing in the players that fit into the profile of Celtic.
“And Odin is one of those players. I like his technical quality, he’s dynamic, he’s young, he’s hungry. He’s also got speed. I’ve had the chance to meet him already, I met him on Monday and had a good chat with him. He’s very determined to do well at a big club like Celtic.”
That Rodgers has noticed a change in the footballing department is a good sign that the club are on a positive path that is far more conducive to a constructive relationship with our managers in place.
Ange Postecoglou certainly had no problem with it and Rodgers is on board now, too. Unity on this front is crucial for Celtic to push on. There can be no disharmony between the manager and the hierarchy above him.
There’s a long way to go on this latest journey under Rodgers of course, but the early messaging is heartening. Now to see where this transfer window takes us.
In other news, Odin Thiago Holm sends Instagram message to Celtic support after signing 5-year contract.
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