Brendan Rodgers slaps down Chris Sutton Celtic jibe

Brendan Rodgers slaps down Chris Sutton Celtic jibe

Brendan Rodgers says he would never ‘go through the motions’ as Celtic manager. (Image: SNS)

BRENDAN RODGERS has refuted suggestions from former Celtic striker Chris Sutton that he is ‘going through the motions’ during his second spell in charge of the club, saying that he still has the fire to bring success to Celtic Park.

Speaking on the Daily Mail ‘It’s all Kicking Off’ podcast earlier this week, Sutton argued that Rodgers had to assume more of the blame for recent ‘flat’ performances, saying: “At the moment this Celtic team are disjointed and going through the motions. And there’s a fair argument to suggest Brendan Rodgers has been going through the motions this season.”

But the Celtic manager gave short shrift to Sutton’s comments, saying that he would never have had the success he has throughout his career if he wasn’t giving his all to his job.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of that,” Rodgers said.

“In my career, I wouldn’t be sat here if I went through the motions in anything.

READ MORE: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers welcomes return of Green Brigade

“I had no big playing career, no big history in the game. I had to fight for everything I got in the game.

“That will always be the case. I’ve never been granted any privileges in my life as a young coach and as a manager.

“So, no, I’ve certainly not gone through the motion, that’s for sure.

“[The fire]’s still always there. I’m here to win, I’ve said that before, and I know how to win. It’s not new.

“I said that to players in here earlier in the season, when we had the game against St Johnstone at home. I’m here to win, not to draw and certainly not to lose games. And I know how to win. And that’s something that, over time, hopefully I can show here.

“I was here in my first time with a group of players who I was able to maximise the potential of virtually all of them. It will be the same here. With the right profile of players – and players we can elevate – they will do that. That’s what I’ve done all my career.

“So, no, I’m certainly not going through the motions. It’s a different period of my managerial career, but I’m certainly not going through the motions.”

READ MORE: Celtic boss Rodgers has ‘no fear’ over O’Riley transfer interest

While he bristled a little at that accusation from Sutton, Rodgers insists that the flak currently coming his way after the defeats to Kilmarnock and Hearts has no effect on him or on his team.

“I don’t listen to it,” he said.

“I assume there was criticism because we lost but I couldn’t tell you where it’s come from or who it’s been given from.

“That’s part of the role of a manager. You learn to regulate that. I’m also one who, with experience, never gets too emotional with words.

“I assess things logically and the reality was that we weren’t good enough. For whatever reason. Second half against Kilmarnock, against Hearts – we weren’t good enough. There are lessons there for us as a team. Hopefully we can heed those lessons, that’s part of the challenge.

“In terms of criticism, listen, it happens when you’re not winning. It’s something that could affect you when you’re a very young manager, but it doesn’t [affect] me.

“I’m here with a mentality to make this right and hopefully we can deliver that.”

Celtic transfer tracker as Vaclav Hladky question receives coy agent response while Jota deal ‘uncomplicated to do’

Brendan Rodgers is in the market for new players as he looks to defend the Premiership crown this term.

Vaclav Hladky’s agent has opened up on a potential move to Celtic as the Ipswich Town number one nears the end of his contract.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been on the look-out for a goalkeeper to add competition to undisputed number one Joe Hart with the likes of Real Madrid shot-stopper Andriy Lunin emerging as a potential target. The Ukraine goalkeeper will be able to open pre-contract talks with other clubs from January 1 with the view to joining on bargain a free transfer in the summer – and former St Mirren goalkeeper Hladky is in the same position.

The Czech star left the Buddies in 2020 and after a success season at Salford City before he was snapped up by The Tractor Boys – helping them to earn a spot in the English Championship last term. Boss Kieran McKenna has put Ipswich on course for a second consecutive promotion for the English Premier League – but Hladky’s future remains up in the air.

Czech outlet iSport report that the Scottish Premiership leaders have shown an “interest” in the goalkeeper with a view to a pre-contract deal. Asked about interest from Celtic the player’s agent Martin Stepanovsky said: “We have some teams registering inquiries, which is understandable given Vaclav’s performances, the position of Ipswich and the expiring contract. However, the priority is to agree on an extension and advance to the Premier League.”

Elsewhere, reports in Saudi Arabia suggest that Celtic were offered the chance to re-sign Jota on loan. But it appears that a reunion with Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham is the most likely destination.

The Athletic that Spurs believe that a deal will be “uncomplicated to do.” However, that could change it Al-Ittihad shift their demands. A temporary switch to the Premier League appears to be on for the Saudi Pro League misfit.

Celtic at front of the queue to sign “fantastic” forward
Celtic are thought to be at the front of the queue to sign a new forward in the January transfer window, according to a new update.

Celtic form under Rodgers

The Hoops have struggled in recent weeks under Brendan Rodgers, suffering back-to-back defeats in the Scottish Premiership to Kilmarnock and Hearts respectively.

As a result, Celtic’s lead at the top of the table has been cut to two points, with rivals Rangers also having a game in hand. Following the 2-0 defeat at Celtic Park to Hearts last time out, Rodgers apologised to the Hoops faithful, saying:

“It is a real, real sore one. For the first time I have been here, over my two periods, I would have to apologise to the supporters – because that level is nowhere near the standard of performances required at Celtic. Nowhere near it. That lack of consistency and mentality and desire, it is way, way off what this club demands. You’re sat there in mid-December with 60,000 in and that’s how you perform. It is not acceptable.”

The Northern Irishman may feel he needs to add to his side during the upcoming January transfer window, and after just one goal against Kilmarnock and Hearts, a new forward appears to be on the radar in Glasgow.

Celtic leading race to sign Fabio Silva

According to reports from Portugal, relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves forward Fabio Silva is a target for both Celtic and Rangers, who are both currently in pole position to acquire his signature.

Silva, on £80,000 a week, is preparing to leave Molineux, and despite interest from an unnamed club in Spain, it is Celtic and Rangers who are ‘at the front of the race’ for his services, although it doesn’t say if it would be on loan or a permanent transfer.

The 21-year-old made the move to Wolves from FC Porto back in 2020 in a deal worth €40m, however, things haven’t exactly gone to plan for the attacker.

In total, Silva, who can play as a centre-forward, second striker or left-winger, has made 72 appearances in all competitions for Wolves but has found the back of the net on just five occasions. (Fabio Silva stats – Transfermarkt)

He’s been sent out on loan to PSV Eindhoven and Anderlecht in recent seasons where he appeared to find some form, so he could look to get his career back on track in Scotland.

Fabio Silva stats out on loan

Appearances

Goals

Assists

RSC Anderlecht

32

11

4

PSV Eindhoven

19

5

2

Silva did catch the eye of former teammate Conor Coady at Wolves, though, with the centre-back previously saying:

“We know what he brings us. He’s a young lad who is working every single day. He’s been fantastic since he came in. He works so, so hard to improve and get better, and you see that now. We know when he comes into the team, he’ll do a job, and that’s what he’s doing at the minute. It’s important he keeps learning, keeps listening, and hopefully we can keep on helping him.”

It could be a move to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, with a battle between Celtic and Rangers for his services seemingly possible.