Brendan Rodgers repeats Celtic transfer mantra as fans spot subtle message sent to board
Brendan Rodgers made no secret of the fact Celtic need reinforcements before their next Champions League challenge as he spoke of his pride despite going down to Aston Villa in their final league phase game.
But for many Hoops fans, the message the Irishman sent out to the Parkhead board was as clear with some of his decisions on the park as much as he was with his words in the Villa Park press room after the 4-2 defeat to the English Premier League side. And it took some punters back to a similar mantra and actions during his first spell as Celtic boss, following a defeat, which was viewed as Rodgers demonstrating to the hierarchy he needed help to continue his progression.
When the team sheet dropped for an Old Firm derby at Ibrox in December 2018, eyebrows were raised. Callum McGregor was moved from his usual midfield spot to play at left back with Kieran Tierney only fit enough to make the bench. Emilio Izaguirre was even among the subs but another man who made the bench was Odsonne Edouard while Mikey Johnston, then just 19, started up front.
Ryan Jack’s goal for Rangers inflicted Rodgers’ first derby loss in 13 games. The team selection was seen viewed as a message to the board. And afterwards he said: “We have some work to do in the transfer market, that we want to get players in. It is clear where we need it in terms of the squad then we will come back ready into our next game and be ready to fight.”
Fast forward to Villa Park on Thursday and many fans detected a similar message. Rodgers made five changes in the second half with two of them academy graduates - including Daniel Cummings who made his first ever first team appearance.
Dane Murray has only recently been recalled from Scottish Championship side Queen’s Park and replaced Liam Scales, with the youngster making a huge error that led to Villa’s fourth goal.
And Rodgers’ post match comments were very similar to those at Ibrox seven years ago in what could be a subtle message to the board again. “You see the work we need to do to improve the squad to really be able to sustain that challenge,” he said. “We were having to bring on young players who haven't played for Celtic before. We had to bring on young players who hadn’t played for Celtic before - never mind the Champions League.”
More experienced players such as £4.3million man Maik Nawrocki, albeit he has rarely featured under Rodgers, and Scotland international Anthony Ralston remained on the bench and some fans have questioned why Cummings hasn’t been given a chance domestically prior to being thrown in at the deep end in a huge Champions League encounter.
Fans on social media were in no doubt. One said: "Was Rodgers sending a message to the board by throwing on Murray and Cummings?" Another said: "Maybe Rodgers bringing on the two boys was letting the board know that with a few players out we are down to the bare bones."
Either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich will be next up in UEFA’s premier competition so it’s easy to see why Rodgers is desperate to add more before the transfer window closes. He has lost Kyogo to Rennes and Alex Valle’s loan spell has been cut short, although Jota will be eligible by the time the knockout round playoff comes around next month. But Rodgers knows that’s not enough - and the message was clear from the Parkhead boss.
