Brendan Rodgers is on the cusp of another domestic treble.
The Celtic manager has enjoyed incredible success over two spells in the Parkhead hotseat and looks set to add even more to the Hoops history books come the end of May.
However, Celtic’s stuttering form forced Rodgers to put pressure on his players, and it seemed to have worked yesterday after the Hoops destroyed Kilmarnock to leave Rugby Park boss Derek McInnes gutted inside Celtic Park.
But it was some strange pre-match questioning by BBC reporter Martin Dowden that the Celtic boss had to put straight as Rodgers was cross-examined on his transfer comments this week and what he meant about them.
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Brendan Rodgers hits back at ‘pointed’ Celtic transfer questions
Rodgers said that Celtic need to strengthen in the summer after the loss to St Johnstone and the Hoops manager was quizzed about the timing of those comments.
Rodgers told BBC Radio Scotland, “I think you’re overthinking it, if I’m honest.
Dowden: “Possibly.”
Rodgers: “Well, factually, for me, it was purely just based on the natural progression that happens at public safety. Players will come and go. That’s what happens.
“There’ll still be a core group of winners here. Players will move on, but it’s natural even, you know, we go on and have the success we want to by claiming two trophies.
“That’s our objective. But even then, it will change. So there’s nothing pointed in it. It’s just a fact of what happens.”
So there was no coded message or mischief-making by the Hoops boss. Just an honest answer on where he sees the natural progression of his Celtic team.
Brendan Rodgers rejects BBC man’s question about Celtic future
Rodgers was then asked if he was sending ‘a message’ to people after he said that if there is no progress, then the man in the dugout will change. That suggestion was, again, rubbished by the Celtic manager.
Dowden: “The fact that you mentioned that if the change doesn’t come, that maybe the voice in the dugout might have to be looked at is, is that a message to anyone to say, Look, I need the support to bring in what I need to progress?
Rodgers: “There’s no message there. 150%, to avoid any doubt, I will be here next season. But what I’m saying in the overall picture is what happens in the game. Changes take place.
“Changes will happen, and that’s what will what will take place here will improve the squad, and I will be here next season. 150%.”
Rodgers is a master at dealing with the media and getting a reaction from his players if he thinks that they are getting too comfortable at the club.
This was another example of that. Not only did the Hoops gaffer get the reaction from the players that he desired, he also put to bed any doubts about his immediate Celtic future too.
With a full season left on his current deal, Rodgers will have another crack at the Champions League and a possible treble to defend.
To do that, he needs better players than he currently has at the club and it seems like he is determined to get them.
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