Brendan Rodgers has shared that Liel Abada wants a Celtic future, after having a private one-to-one chat with the winger in pre-season.
There have been building rumours around the Israeli winger over the last six months. Abada is said to have rejected contracts and been the subject of transfer interest from teams around the continent.
However, it seems he is keen to build on his progress at the Bhoys over the last two seasons and push on to new heights under the new manager.
Liel Abada aims to reach new heights at Celtic
Rodgers said [Daily Record]: “We had a nice conversation, a really open conversation, when I came in. He sat in the office and I just wanted to know what his ambitions were and what he wanted to achieve. He is very keen and he really wants to be here to improve. But he also understands there needs to be competition when you are at a top club. That pushes you. Overall I like his game when I was watching from afar. I like his runs and he has a real killer instinct in front of goal.
“You don’t get that many goals unless you want to score – which I love. There are other areas we can look at to help him get to another level. He wants to run in behind, his goal scoring record is incredible for a winger. That’s what you want – someone who can create and score goals.
“His pressing could be better, he could be more aggressive. But he’s a real threat. I like him as a guy. I always like to get to know the players so I can understand what their motivations and ambitions are. He wants to improve. He’s still only 21 with a lot of development left. I like wingers and he’s a very effective one. He’s quite a quiet lad. He’s got a similar mentality to Nir Bitton, who is a lovely big guy, really gentle.
“But he wanted to do well and Liel is the same. He’s likes to communicate so we’ve spoken a number of times. He knows where he can be better and where he can improve. And he will improve.”
It’s a very encouraging update from the manager and a sign of a new approach being taken to squad relations at Lennoxtown. Ange Postecoglou was superb for the Bhoys and delivered big success, but it’s fair to say he didn’t take such an open approach to the players.
Abada has looked sharp in pre-season and appears ready to hit the ground running when the competitive action starts. Having scored 28 goals over the last two campaigns, he’s already made a big contribution but if he can improve from there, he’ll have his best season yet in Celtic colours. And that’s exciting.
In other news, Polish FA chief scout tips big things for incoming Celtic signing.
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