Steven Naismith has spoken about his pre-match chat with Brendan Rodgers before Hearts’ defeat at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon.
The 2-0 win leaves Hearts rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership and Celtic eight points clear of Rangers ahead of their trip to Tannadice this afternoon.
Speaking post-match, Naismith was asked about the lengthy chat he had with Brendan Rodgers and whilst the Hearts boss wouldn’t divulge what was said, he did admit that he did share a ‘nice moment’ with the Celtic gaffer.
Naismith has ‘leaned on’ Celtic boss
Naismith is facing a tough season with Hearts after picking up just one point in their first five league games but hails Rodgers for giving him his time prior to the Celtic game.
Naismith told BBC Radio Scotland, “No, I’m not going to tell you what he’s saying. The biggest thing I think I personally have been fortunate about is we’ve got some great managers in this league.
“We’ve got experienced managers who, as much as you’re rivals and you’re trying to get one over each other, they’ve all got time for you.
“That’s the biggest thing I’ve seen over the last year in a bit. Every manager I’ve come up against has given me their time, they are willing to answer any questions I’ve got and as a young manager, that’s so valuable.
“It was a nice moment, but everybody in this league, manager-wise, has been fantastic with me.”
When asked if Rodgers was wishing him a happy birthday, Naismith continued, “No, I think he’ll probably maybe do that after the game. As I said, I’ve leaned on a few of them over the last year or so. Just with wee moments that come up that you don’t think about.
“And like I said, a lot of these managers in this league have been second to none.”
Rodgers’ class shines through
Indeed, Brendan Rodgers has been noted on many occasions on 67 Hail Hail for his management style and how he deals with his players.
We discussed this morning how the Celtic boss superbly managed Reo Hatate after he gave his penalty to Arne Engels so the Beligian could get off to a goal-scoring first start for the club.
We also spoke about how Spurs’ James Maddison highlighted the differences between Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou’s management styles with the Celtic boss being praised for how he uses a personal touch to speak to the players.
Rodgers’ approach with the Celtic players certainly seems to be paying off on the pitch and off it, the Parkhead boss continues to make new friends as he shows his concern and respect for opposition managers.
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