Brendan Rodgers Addresses Player Criticism, Champions League Performance, and Individual Accolades

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed reporters ahead of his team’s Saturday match against Ross County. Key statements from his press conference included: Rodgers offered his support to record signing Arne Engels, who has faced criticism for his recent displays. The Northern Irishman drew a parallel to Paulo Bernardo, who experienced similar scrutiny early in his Celtic tenure: “It was exactly the same, now he can’t be cheered on loud enough when he enters the pitch.” The manager expressed his hope that “people will learn their lesson,” implying that the same fans who dismissed Bernardo and Nicolas Kuhn are now targeting Engels, emphasizing that “you have to understand development takes time.” Furthermore, he stated he is not worried about Adam Idah’s form, asserting that all Celtic supporters should be aware of his capabilities, adding that “it’s not always about scoring.” Regarding the 1-1 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League, Rodgers acknowledged it was a type of fixture he had previously lost, but he noted the squad is making significant progress towards competing effectively at the elite level, stating, “it’s another step to where we want to go.” Addressing Cameron Carter-Vickers’ own goal on Wednesday, the Celtic boss firmly stated, “he’s been a real colossal player for this club and will continue to be,” and expressed satisfaction with the centre-back’s reaction during the game. Concerning Alistair Johnston’s inclusion in the longlist for the Best Fifa men’s XI for 2024, Rodgers remarked that it is “absolutely brilliant for him,” indicating that his consistent performance at both domestic and international levels is gaining recognition and illustrating “how he’s rising as a footballer.” Rodgers confirmed his desire to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, stating that if a suitable player becomes available, “we would certainly look at it.” Anticipating the match against Ross County on Saturday, Rodgers acknowledged that their opponents would be “very determined” and mentioned that Don Cowie was his inaugural signing as a manager, leading him to closely monitor Cowie’s career.