Rodgers Attributes Celtic’s Strong Position to Squad Depth and Player Rotation

For Celtic’s victory against Aberdeen on Wednesday, both Luke McCowan and record-signing Arne Engels were among the substitutes. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, attributes the team’s low injury rate this season to the extensive depth of its squad. The Celtic manager confirmed a complete squad is at his disposal for Saturday’s upcoming Scottish Premiership fixture against Hibs. The Parkhead club currently holds a seven-point lead at the summit of the league standings. Rodgers implemented six alterations to the lineup for the 5-0 triumph over Ross County last weekend, subsequently reverting four of those changes for the 1-0 victory against Aberdeen on Wednesday. Players such as record-signing Arne Engels, Adam Idah, and Luke McCowan, who had performed notably against County, were all substitutes at Pittodrie. Additionally, fellow substitute Greg Taylor provided the assist for Reo Hatate’s decisive goal. Rodgers stated, “We’re in a really, really good place, and I think that is also part of the rotation.” He further explained, “Sometimes if you don’t have the depth of squad and the strength in your squad, you may be having to play players all the time, which is when you have a greater risk of injury.” Rodgers elaborated on the strategy: “What we’ve been able to do is manage the minutes of the players and where there has been maybe a little niggle, we can then take someone out. Or if someone has played a lot more minutes, then we have that possibility to take them out. That’s the benefit of having a depth of squad.” He added, “So I’ve really enjoyed that aspect of it, picking the teams to put out and giving that opportunity for some of them to have some breathing space. It also can depend on the game that you’re playing and what it is you want from the game. That will decide who plays also.” Expressing confidence in his team, Rodgers affirmed, “I have total trust in the group of players. Whatever team I send out for tomorrow goes out to attack the game.” He concluded by saying, “I’ve got a great group of players who are hungry, ambitious and all want to play.”