Unsurprisingly, there are still Celtic fans with doubts over the return of Brendan Rodgers as manager. The manner of his exit the last time around has still left a bitter taste for some supporters. Others have moved on and perhaps the latest comments about the Northern Irishman from Callum McGregor will help convince more to do the same.
There aren’t too many players in the current squad who were at the club when Rodgers was at Parkhead the last time around. McGregor though is now captain of the club, having established himself as a first-team player during the Northern Irish manager’s first term.
When McGregor speaks about Rodgers, you have to sit up, listen and respect his views. And the skipper seems to be pretty happy to have the manager back in the Parkhead hot seat.
Rodgers was very successful in his first stint with the Hoops. He was shown the exit door by Leicester City not too long ago though and combine that with the manner of his previous exit, and he returns with a point to prove.
Celtic captain makes fantastic Rodgers claim
As reported by the Daily Record, McGregor said about Rodgers:
"“I can detect that, yes. Even when I spoke to him early doors, I could see it in his eyes and you can hear it in his voice. I have always said that when people have a point to prove in football then that can be really dangerous because you get a different level of workrate and intensity. You push the guys and they push you and you can see that in him. He’s determined to do well, he’s determined to give the club success and that’s married by every single person within our dressing room. We are really together and we want to deliver success.“That’s where we are judged, it’s always about success and when he’s come back this time, there’s no standing on ceremony in terms of what happened the last time he was here. He’s here to win and you can see that in terms of how he drives the boys.”"
McGregor further went on to add about Rodgers and what he brings to the table:
"“It’s been that same methodical approach, calm and incisive and that kind of information which makes people sit back and really take notice of and try to learn. I think that’s one of the best things about him, he tries to help everybody and tries to teach them about the game.“He’s a master tactician and if you really go and pick his brain then there’s some wonderful information in there and he’s so good at getting it across to the guys as well. That’s another part of the game that we can always get better. The fundamental thing is always the football.”"
That definitely sounds very encouraging and should help continue the drive to improve and strengthen season upon season at the club. There is a long campaign ahead and everything to play for.
So far the summer transfer window is looking good, and there could be more signings to come with a month to go before it ends. Pre-season has been very encouraging and built nicely towards the season opener and flag day at home this weekend against Ross County. Rodgers seems to have a chip on his shoulder, and that might be a good thing for Celtic