The return of Brendan Rodgers to Paradise was not welcomed by all Celtic fans when the news was announced that the Irishman was coming back to the club this summer. But for Callum McGregor, the news of the reinstatement of Rodgers was music to his ears.
McGregor enjoyed an extremely successful spell with the Celtic manager in his first stint at the club and in an interview where he was asked by fellow teammate, Greg Taylor, how he felt about Rodgers’ return, the Hoops captain was lavish in his praise and touched on the relationship he has with the Celtic boss.
McGregor said [Celtic YouTube], “Brilliant. I think it’s obviously well documented the relationship that me and the manager have and had the last time we were here. We enjoyed a lot of success. I learned a lot from him. He probably elevated my game at a time when I really needed it and I’m always grateful to him for that as well.
“He took so much time to help develop me and get to know me as a person as well. We have a great relationship and obviously coming back in, a little bit similar in terms of the group that we’ve got.
“A lot of really good talent probably in that middle part of their career where a real tactical idea and tactical coach can help the boys progress even more. I think that’s everybody’s aim at the club is always to progress as players and ultimately as a group, and the main reason we’re here is to bring success to the football club.”
McGregor reveals a different side to the Celtic boss
But it’s not just the work he does with the players on the pitch and in training that is the interesting part of McGregor’s insight. The Celtic captain says that Rodgers has a way with the players that makes them buy into what he is trying to achieve.
McGregor continued, “There’s so much more to him as well. Just even as a character. The way he gets you invest in him and he’s really important on every single player playing their part and being together and having a real close-knit group.
“Even that side of it will help the boys as well and then just the football stuff. He’s a master tactician and that’s what prides himself on as well. So hopefully he can help the players understand the game on a different level.
“We’ve had brilliant successful over the last couple of years together and, like I said before, the aim is always to progress as a player, individually and collectively as a group.”
McGregor is clearly delighted that his mentor from 2016 is back and working his magic at the club. And we have seem glimpses of Rodgers’ influence taking hold of some players already.
Liel Abada is now set to stay at the club after months of speculation linking him away from the club. We have also seen the Israeli winger’s mini-revival of form during the two friendlies in the Japan Tour.
We have also seen Daizen Maeda being used to great effect in the central striker role. The Japanese striker recently revealed that there has been a couple of tactical tweaks that Rodgers has implemented that look as if they have already improved his game.
And this is just the beginning. Just imagine the improvements that could take place in the next few weeks as Rodgers gets to know his squad even more. It’s early days, but it looks like the players are responding well to the Irishman already.
In other news, Callum McGregor’s valuable advice to the youngsters on Celtic’s tour of Japan
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