Joe Hart has been left impressed by the way Brendan Rodgers goes about his business after spending his first few days with the new Celtic manager this week.
Hart has always been open about the fact he had a brilliant relationship with former boss Ange Postecoglou, who helped resurrect his career after a spell as a backup goalkeeper at a number of clubs in other leagues.
However, the Celtic number one is ready to kick on under Rodgers and already likes what he’s seen and heard at Lennoxtown in the first week of pre-season.
Joe Hart on Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
Hart said [Daily Record, 07/07 print edition, page 52]: “He has laid it on the line. He actually stood in front of us and let us know how proud he was of what we did last year but that it was last year. We now need to build on it. Try to improve and push each other.
“It’s been great. Really exciting. A real fresh energy about him. You can tell he is here to do business. He’s super-positive and you can tell he absolutely loves the club. If he was to take his managerial hat off, he’s a Celtic fan. But he’s made it very clear he’s able to separate business and pleasure and we’re here for business.
“He knows what it takes to come here after a treble-winning season having done it himself and then try to go again and push hard again. That’s what it takes to really achieve.
“He’s a very successful manager with a huge drive. He wants to push the younger guys and wants the older guys to help do that. It was important he addressed the group which he did on the first day and let us know what he wants from us as players and, more importantly, what he wants from us as human beings. It’s been very clear messages and I’m very excited to work under him.”
Regardless of your thoughts on Rodgers’ return in the wake of his controversial initial exit in 2019, it is undeniable that the new manager is ready to make a strong, positive impact at the Bhoys. He has done that in pretty much every job he’s had – at least initially.
Hart isn’t really a character who hides how he feels. Yes, he’s never going to publicly criticise his new boss in the first week of the job, but he didn’t need to be so effusive with his praise either. He clearly feels that Rodgers has the personality and knowledge to engage this squad and push them to new heights.
The goalkeeper’s comments also make it clear the new boss is ready to have a more open relationship with the players, a different style to Postecoglou that could prove to be the change we needed at the right time. Fresh, positive, moving forward. Fans have reason to feel hopeful about the path ahead.
In other news, Celtic delivered a big statement of intent this week and the next one surely isn’t far away.
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