Brendan Rodgers has no concerns about adjusting his management style to the current Celtic squad, suggesting he is as clued up as anyone on what his new team are all about.
Only a handful of players remain at the Bhoys since Rodgers’ first spell between 2016 and 2019, led by the captain Callum McGregor, who the manager was instrumental in developing as a first-team player.
Many of the stand-out players in the squad arrived during the Ange Postecoglou reign, but Rodgers eased any concerns that he isn’t plugged into the current iteration of Celtic in a media event 67 Hail Hail attended on Friday.
Brendan Rodgers not in the Celtic dark
Asked if he has managed to keep up with matches and goings on at the Bhoys, Rodgers replied: “I’ve watched virtually every Celtic game since I left. Wherever I’ve been in the world I’ve always tried to see it. I’m well in tune with the players.
“It’s a nice thing as a manager. I couldn’t have come into the same group as my last time. It just doesn’t work, it’s too stale. Coming into a fresh group of players will be absolutely great, plus the guys who were here like Callum, who is a top player. He has continued to grow, and having him as captain is really important for us.
“All the other guys, I’ve had a good look at them in lots of games. I’ve studied them once I knew I was coming in and had a close look at them, so they’re not new to me.”
Rodgers also attended multiple Celtic matches over the last couple of years. As recently as April he was at Hampden to watch the Bhoys take on Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final. He hasn’t taken his eye off the ball.
That will be a comfort to anyone concerned that there will be a lack of continuity from the Postecoglou era. If anything, it’s the opposite.
Rodgers plays an attacking brand of football, too, don’t forget. With McGregor leading the squad and mainstay coaches such as John Kennedy still at Lennoxtown, there’s a strong foundation for the new manager to build from.
That’s exactly what we need in the wake of a massive treble-winning season.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers tells Celtic support what his initial European ambitions look like.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
