Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the club won’t be taking part in a warm-weather training camp this January, instead staying at Lennoxtown.
Over the last few years it has become the norm for the Bhoys to head off to a warmer climate during the winter shutdown and Abu Dhabi had again been on the cards this season.
However, Rodgers has now stated the squad will spend the entire break in Scotland – first getting some rest and recuperation, then following the same training timeline as if they had gone abroad.
The break will come after a hectic schedule of 11 games in 38 games and Rodgers is keen for his squad to savour the downtime with those closest to them.
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic winter break
The Celtic boss said [The Scottish Sun]: “I always think it’s a period where you can break the cycle a bit, and get some warm-weather training in. We were looking to go out to Abu Dhabi, but because of the situation in the world I didn’t want to bring any risk to it.
“So rather than waiting to see what happens, let’s just make the decision early. That allows the players to spend some time off with their families, which is probably more beneficial anyway. And if we need to pick up some warm-weather training later on, we have a chance to do that.
“In January it will still be the same timeline. It’s just they will be able to rest physically and mentally with their families. Especially over the next six weeks, they are going to be away from their families a lot anyway.
“You’re going to have guys whose parents are coming from abroad to be here, too. So it will actually be nice for them to reconnect. I always think as well when you’re a group or a team that wants to win trophies, you don’t win them in the last week of the season.
“It’s all these little moments that add up to arriving, to you becoming a winner. We’re giving the players the chance to refresh after what will have been a hectic period.”
Hopefully, the change of approach pays off and gives the players a mid-season boost. If they know they’re getting a period of rest in January, it could motivate them to push even further during this December period.
Celtic have a Scottish Cup clash immediately after the break ends, then league matches against Ross County, Aberdeen and Hibernian – the latter two of which are away from home.
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