Greg Taylor can’t hide his excitement about what’s ahead under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, admitting his been left “buzzing” with some of the comments made by the new boss so far.
Taylor is one of the big leaders in the Celtic dressing room in support of captain Callum McGregor, so his mood and comments are a good indicator of overall squad morale at the moment.
He, of course, is never going to come out and criticise his new boss, but he doesn’t need to be so effusive with his praise either and the left-back is clearly delighted that Rodgers has returned to the club.
The defender stated [Daily Record]: “It’s just excitement. To get the chance to work under a manager of this calibre, everyone in the changing room should be really excited. First and foremost he’s a coach, he wants to make the players better. I know I’m really excited. I’m desperate to learn and improve under the manager. I felt I played a big part in what was another historic season for the club. To win a Treble was unbelievable.
“But it quickly changes and the focus is now on the next one. That’s the demands of of the club. We’ve made our own bit of history last year but we’ve parked it. That’s the amazing thing about being at Celtic. You are expected to win domestically and do well in Europe. Hopefully we can do that this season.
“If you don’t have that motivation and that feeling you’ll quickly lose your place. That’s football. It’s always good to hear nice things, I’m buzzing. Of course you want to impress the manager. I’m really excited to work with him. His track record shows he improves players. I’m hoping he can do the same with me. First and foremost he’s a Celtic fan so I’m sure he will have been keeping a keen eye on us over the last wee while. He will have watched a bit last season. Now he’s back he’ll be desperate for more success and to create a bit more history.”
It seems like the wave of enthusiasm running through the Celtic squad is coming at the perfect time. It would be easy for some of these players to rest on their successes, but the fresh challenge of impressing a new manager will help drive everyone on this season.
Taylor is making it clear it’s not just being happy for happiness’ sake – they aren’t being coddled – it’s all rooted in hard work and improvement. That’s what he wants most and there’s a good chance that is culture in the rest of the dressing room.
Turning that into results is what is most important and hopefully this summer is giving the players that foundation to go on and kick on from a treble-winning campaign.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers signals Celtic tactical change; one will be used very differently.
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