Celtic captain Callum McGregor has praised the technical quality of the signings coming into the club this summer, suggesting that they are settling well into life at Lennoxtown.
Odin Thiago Holm, Maik Nawrocki, Hyunjun Yang and Hyeokkyu Kwon have all arrived from leagues around the world and are immediately involved with the first-team group. Marco Tilio has also been signed, although he’s been on the sidelines with an injury so far.
It’s no simple task gelling together players from many different backgrounds and cultures. McGregor is one of the main leaders in the dressing room who instils a winning mentality in those who arrive so that everyone is pulling in the same direction. He’s pleased with what he’s seen up close from the new batch.
The captain said [Sky Sports Scotland]: “They’ve been first class since they’ve come in. First and foremost, they’re really good technically. They’re great guys and really receptive to the group.
“The group have been the same, we’ve managed to create a really good close-knit squad over the last few years, and everybody gets on with each other. When we cross the line to train and play, we push each other to give the maximum.
“We have a huge responsibility. Everyone expects the best of us. The sooner that you realise that and you understand your mates are here to help you, then the new guys will settle in and will produce their best football as well.”
There’s a long way to go for all of the players who have arrived. They are young and full of potential, but we can’t expect too much, too soon. Rodgers alluded to that in comments made yesterday.
Nonetheless, there are promising early signs, from Holm and Nawrocki in particular. They didn’t look out of place at all at home to Athletic Club on Tuesday night and it would be no surprise if they pick up plenty of appearances in the opening months of the season.
With McGregor, Brendan Rodgers and others setting standards at Lennoxtown – they’ll already know the levels they have to reach.
In other news, Bids expected for Celtic regular; multiple teams keen.
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