Alexandro Bernabei didn’t feature in the Celtic squad against Ross County because he landed himself in hot water with boss Brendan Rodgers.
The Daily Record reports that Bernabei missed a team meeting after sleeping in, with Rodgers making it clear those who don’t meet his high standards will face consequences.
It’s said that a couple of other minor incidents also occurred within the squad over the summer and that the new Celtic boss is setting boundaries for the Bhoys to work within. He isn’t going to tolerate any slackness whatsoever.
That’s already cost Bernabei an opportunity for Scottish Premiership minutes and he’ll now have to prove himself to make it into upcoming squads against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock on the road.
While obviously not nice to hear one of our players is hitting the standards required off the pitch, it is heartening that Rodgers is sending a message to the wider squad. Bernabei should see it as an opportunity to show he is capable of being a part of this team.
Only Greg Taylor is ahead of him at left-back, so he has the chance to get regular minutes, especially with a new manager on the scene and after impressing across the pre-season period.
The Argentinian has talent and potential but he needs to show focus and determination to make it at a club like Celtic. He’s been in Scotland for a year now, so this is a critical period for him.
He either kicks on and becomes a viable option for the Bhoys, or the manager will show no hesitation in moving on and focusing on other talents or transfer options.
In other news, Glasgow fan encounters, favourite song, nickname and Boruc texts; Maik Nawrocki’s Celtic Q+A.
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