Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was asked about the recruitment process at the Bhoys this summer and how much involvement he has in that, at a media conference earlier today.
Celtic have signed a number of talents during the current window including Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke, and all of them seem to have been identified long before Rodgers arrived back at the club.
That is normal in modern football, but this afternoon Rodgers did go a bit into how it works at the Bhoys specifically. He’s very comfortable with his role in the machine and reckons it sets the club up for sustainable and consistent success.
The manager said [Celtic FC]: “It’s pretty simple. In terms of how it works, ultimately I will develop and coach the players that the club provide me. The process of the club providing me with the players is that we have a great network of scouts here headed up by Mark Lawwell who, as I’ve said before, has done a fantastic job working within the model of the club and bringing the players in that fit in, that allows the club to be sustainable and successful at the same time.
“They have a pipeline of players there that will fit in, but then it’s about picking the profile that fits us best. Of course, I play a part in that. They do a lot of the great work, they watch players over a number of months so that they have various players for each position. So, whenever we do lose one then there’s a replacement to come in.
“It’s not always straightforward, it always takes time. But there’s a lot of work that goes on and ultimately, as I said, I will coach and develop the players I am provided with. I have a part in that. The club is run very, very well, it’s very sustainable and that’s what has given the club stability and success over a number of years. Now, it’s my responsibility to adhere to that.”
Rodgers was also asked about the club’s reported pursuits of Ryan Fraser and Daniel Podence before the end of the transfer window but refused to be drawn at all on those specifics.
He didn’t mention how many transfers he’s looking to get done between now and the end of the summer window, despite being asked.
It’s clear however that Celtic still have a few more bits of high-quality business to do. The central defensive position looks sorted for the season now and attention looks likely to turn to the wide areas – both in defence and attack.
If Celtic manage to bring in their top targets in those positions, the squad will be in pretty good shape heading deeper into the campaign.
In other news, Rodgers confirms new Bhoy is fit and available for testing Celtic debut after more injury blows.
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