Brendan Rodgers has plenty on his to do list at Celtic right now. Preparation for the new season is well underway and there seems to be a heavy focus on strengthening the squad. But it also very important to work closely with, carefully manage and improve the players who are already at Parkhead.
Rodgers will surely be aware that a number of Celtic players are drawing interest and possible transfer bids from abroad. So it was great to see the club agree news deals with Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda recently.
Liel Abada is another Celtic player who has been in plenty of headlines about a potential move away. That’s been the case for some time now and the rumours that he had apparently turned down the chance to extend his contract not too long ago hardly helped.
More recently, Fenerbahce have become the latest club to be linked with Abada. The Israeli international though has a great opportunity ahead of him at Celtic. The Champions League group stage beckons and Rodgers is someone known to improve players as well.
Celtic boss makes Liel Abada claim amid exit rumours
Doubts may have been in Abada’s mind last season as he didn’t get too many opportunities to start games under the management of Ange Postecoglou in the 2022/23 campaign. But he is off to a flying start in pre-season and featured heavily in the two matches in Japan.
And Rodgers seems to have held talks with Abada already. As reported by The Scottish Sun, the manager said:
"“We had a nice conversation, a really open conversation, when I came in.“He sat in the office and I just wanted to know what his ambitions were and what he wanted to achieve.“He is very keen and he really wants to be here to improve.“But he also understands there needs to be competition when you are at a top club.“That pushes you. Overall I like his game when I was watching from afar.”"
Rodgers further went on to add about Abada:
"“I like him, I like his qualities. He wants to run in behind, his goal scoring record is incredible for a winger.“That’s what you want – someone who can create and score goals.“His pressing could be better, he could be more aggressive.”"
That’s got to be encouraging for all concerned and good news for Celtic fans worried about the potential exit of a star. Abada is still young at 21 years of age and very capable of developing his great talent further. Rodgers has a good track record with developing and getting the best out of players. James Forrest did exceptionally well under his management and could be a great inspiration for the Israeli international right now.