Connect with us

Celtic FC

£3.4 million and counting: Rodgers’ disaster makes more than Palma – opinion

Published

10 months ago

on

The summer signing has struggled for sport time given that making the cross to Parkhead.

Celtic brought Brendan Rodgers back to Parkhead final summer for a second stint in charge of the Glasgow giants after Ange Postecoglou moved down south.

The Hoops then determined to again the Northern Irish head instruct in the summer season switch window with nine new first-team signings to bolster the taking part in squad.

Maik Nawrocki, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Luis Palma, Paulo Bernardo, Nat Phillips, and Hyun-jun Yang have been all introduced in, with combined success so far.

Celtic have been knocked out of the League Cup in August, dumped out of Europe at the quit of the crew degrees of the Champions League, and are currently two factors behind their rivals at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership.

Their struggles throughout several competitions advocate that Rodgers’ work in the closing switch window is but to entirely pay off, which has been apparent with the lack of minutes on the pitch for some of his additions.

Lagerbielke, in particular, has been a flop for Celtic so far. The Swedish defender has rinsed the club of tens of millions – incomes more than first-team superstar Palma – without making tons of a contribution on the pitch.

How a whole lot Celtic paid for Gustaf Lagerbielke

Rodgers swooped to signal the centre-back from IF Elfsborg for a reported rate of round £3m in August of last year, and claimed that the younger enforcer was “ready” for the challenge of playing for the Scottish giants.

The 23-year-old titan, who cited former Hoops superstar Virgil van Dijk as an thought at the time of his move, arrived off the returned of a strong first 1/2 of the year in Sweden.

He caught the eye with his strong protecting performances for the club across 16 appearances in the Allsvenskan in the course of the 2023 campaign.

Lagerbielke made 2.6 tackles and interceptions combined and 6.7 ball recoveries per healthy respectively, to go along with zero errors that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition. This suggests that he was a stable operator at the lower back who normally cut out assaults barring making large mistakes.

The Swedish colossus was once also dominant from a physical standpoint as he won 59% of his duels in these 16 games, after he won 64% of his battles across 20 league outings throughout the 2022 marketing campaign for Elfsborg.

These facts advised that the Hoops had signed a towering defender who may want to dominate opposition players, with minimal errors, to bolster their backline.

However, it has not pretty labored out for him at Parkhead so some distance this season as the Sweden international has struggled for game time below Rodgers.

Gustaf Lagerbielke’s season in numbers

The 23-year-old gem was an unused substitute for Celtic as they beat Livingston 4-2 in the SFA Cup quarter-finals at home on Sunday, which sums up his season so far.

He has no longer overlooked any matchday via damage for the Hoops at some stage in the 2023/24 campaign. However, Rodgers has left him out of the matchday squad on 20 occasions in the Premiership.

Lagerbielke has been an unused alternative in the top-flight once and made six league appearances for the Scottish giants in whole since his £3m move.

The towering defender solely commenced 4 of those six Premiership outings but did showcase some of his dominant shielding attributes with an magnificent duel success fee of 71%, along with a ground duel success price of 87%, yet that was once not enough to convince the supervisor that he deserved extra minutes.

As you can see in the table above, Lagerbielke also had mixed success in his two appearances against Feyenoord in the team stages of the Champions League.

He gave away a penalty and was despatched off on his European debut for the club, and then went on to rating the winning purpose in his 2nd time out towards the Dutch side.

Overall, the Swedish defender has been a waste of a signing so a ways for Celtic as he has not often been selected, even as a substitute, when healthy to be in the matchday squad, notwithstanding incomes as plenty as Matt O’Riley and more than Palma in wages.

Per Salary Sport, Lagerbielke is presently on £14k-per-week – extra than Palma’s £6k-per-week, Liam Scales’ £5k-per-week, and Maik Nawrocki’s £12k-per-week to identify a few – and this skill that he has earned over £400k in 30 weeks at the club so far.

The Hoops have, therefore, been rinsed of £3.4m – and counting – for a player who has now not been deemed correct sufficient to make the bench when all of his positional friends are available, and it is a situation that may additionally want looking at in the upcoming summer season transfer window if the kingdom of play does no longer change.

Luis Palma’s stats this season

Lagerbielke’s £14k-per-week appears to be a waste of money on paper when you reflect onconsideration on the affect that Palma, who is on £6k-per-week, has made on the pitch this season.

The Honduras international, who arrived from Aris for a reported fee of £3.5m, has furnished a massive danger in the remaining 1/3 as a scorer and a creator of desires for the Bhoys.

He has chipped in with six goals in 17 starts in the Premiership to go alongside with two goals in 4 begins in the team levels of the Champions League.

His creativity, however, has been the most astonishing element of his forward participant for Rodgers on the left wing since his pass to Scotland closing summer.

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old whiz has been in exceptional form as a creator for his facet with a fantastic 12 ‘big chances’ created in simply 17 league starts.

Overall, Palma has contributed with six desires and 9 assists – 15 direct goal contributions – in those 17 Premiership starts, which indicates that he has consistently provided first-class at the top give up of the pitch for Celtic.

These information advise that the outstanding dynamo has been a value-for-money signing as he has made a large have an effect on on the pitch and featured normally in the team.

This further highlights how a great deal of a flop Lagerbielke has been, as the Swedish defender has barely got onto the field, let alone made sizeable contributions to success on the pitch, notwithstanding earning over twice as a great deal per week in comparison to Palma.

‘The criteria’: Bobby Madden provides UEFA guidance that was not followed for Celtic’s red card at Tynecastle

As confusions nevertheless reign over Celtic’s VAR controversy at Hearts closing weekend, many fans and pundits in the sport are losing patience with the refereeing technology.

And to be honest, it’s no longer so an awful lot the technology itself that’s annoying the fans, it’s the sheer inconsistency in how it’s applied to the sport that’s leaving us all baffled.

But that definitely shouldn’t be the case. Because, in accordance to former referee Bobby Madden, UEFA sends training to all match officials before the new season begins so that the rules can be utilized pretty across all country wide associations underneath their umbrella.

Speaking about Hyunjun Yang’s pink card specifically, Madden printed that UEFA have been crystal clear on how the immoderate pressure rule be utilized in the tournament of a high boot.

Madden said [Scottish Football Podcast], “This all revolves round whether there was contact with the studs.

“People say it is one of a kind in Scotland from England and UEFA/FIFA. UEFA ship out clips every year to the referee assistant program.

“If you make contact with studs to the head or face they anticipate a purple card. That is the criteria referees are working towards.

“If you make it with the laces or facet of boot, if no excessive force. A yellow card. The referee and assistant consider I can’t discover any contact with the studs so ‘reckless, yellow card’.”

So why, then, was once this now not applied at Tynecastle final Sunday? Did John Beaton and Don Robertson in reality forget about about the guidance?

Or perhaps they felt that immoderate force used to be used when the play used to be slowed down and looked at how Alex Cochrane reacted to the challenge.

Whatever has came about in the decision-making at Tynecastle, one issue is obvious. The SFA should revisit this and make certain UEFA’s practise is complied with at all times as mistakes like the ones Celtic suffered remaining week ought to show costly.

With a £60m Champions League bounty awaiting the winners of the Scottish Premiership, Celtic’s defeat at Tynecastle should be one of the most pricey ones in the records of the game.

Brendan Rodgers hinted at a role adjustment for the 25-year-old Celtic star

In a go that has left Celtic brief on numbers in defence, the club has determined to ship backup left-back Alexandro Bernabei out on loan, leaving the squad reputedly inclined in that position. With Greg Taylor being the foremost option, concerns have emerged about the depth and readiness of the crew to face the challenges in advance without adequate cover.

Addressing these concerns, Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers provided a standpoint that may additionally assuage some fears, hinting at a tactical shift that should see centre-back Liam Scales repurposed to fill the void left by means of Bernabei should Taylor go out injured. Rodgers stated to Celtic TV, “I’m confident ample in what we have in the squad and the the rest of the season that we will have insurance in that position. Lam Scales has performed there, you know, we can have other choices to play there.

3rd March 2024; Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts versus Celtic; Liam Scales of Celtic

While some might view the mortgage of Bernabei as an unneeded risk, Rodgers’ reassurance points to a broader vision and possibly tips at how little faith the Irishman had in the Argentinian genuinely to deliver.

As Celtic prepares for their Scottish Cup tie towards Livingston, the bhoys must shake off their defeat in the league last weekend and make sure their in the hat for the semi ultimate draw come Sunday evening.

Alan Brazil responds to Rangers troll with loaded Celtic conspiracy idea ahead of ‘nervous’ inquest

Gabby Agbonlahor could not resist a nod to the Premiership title tussle but Hoops’ fan Brazil shortly clapped back.

Irked Alan Brazil has put the blame on referees for why Rangers are pinnacle of the table as he resisted goading Gabby Agbonlahor’s digs about Celtic.

Philippe Clement’s facet stumbled on Saturday when they fell to a shock defeat to Motherwell – but Brendan Rodgers’ guys had been unable to capitalise and cross to the Scottish Premiership summit after a 2-0 loss to Hearts. The victory for Steven Naismith’s outfit used to be riddles with controversy, leaving boss Rodgers raging following the full-time whistle after Yang was despatched off and Tomoki Iwata was once penalised for a handball following a VAR review.

And the shockwaves from the weekend fixture card may want to nevertheless be felt on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show as Aston Villa legend Agbonlahor regarded to wind-up Celtic diehard Brazil with the Light Blues conserving on to top canine popularity – even pitching some not going contenders for pinnacle spot going forward. But Brazil wasn’t having it as he pointed the finger of blame at the SFA.

England cap Agbonlahor quizzed: “What is going on Al? Rangers are top? I maintain looking at the Scottish league and thinking Celtic will win that but they maintain losing.” Brazil clapped back: “It’s known as referees and officials, that is what it is called.”

The Villa hero was undeterred adding: “What has came about Al to the Scottish league? You used to flip on the rankings and see Celtic would win 6-0, 5-0, 4-0 – now it’s not like that. Those groups are catching up. Kilmarnock, Motherwell.”

Brazil appeared to shut the chat down: “What are you talking about?” Agbonlahor responded: ‘You are apprehensive aren’t you?”

The under-fire Hoops supporter rounded off: “Well, there are two more Old Firms. That will settle it. But it is gain Rangers, I have to say.”

Views: Given the possibility of an Ange Postecoglou and Celtic reunion, Tottenham may get a large payoff

Tottenham and Daniel Levy could appear to make the most of Ange Postecoglou’s connection to Scottish football this summer.

Postecoglou has enjoyed a superb debut season in the Premier League in view that he swapped life in Glasgow with Celtic for North London and Spurs at the quit of the 2022/23 season.

The Australian wasted little time prevailing over his new supporters and should but information Tottenham back to the UEFA Champions League at the first time of asking, despite some difficulties.

Following a tumultuous five-year length which has viewed a host of managers each be a part of and leave Tottenham, it doesn’t appear as if Postecoglou is going anywhere as Spurs eventually locate some stability.

As per Alasdair Gold through his respectable X account (5 March), pre-season preparations are already underway at Hotspur Way, with Spurs searching to play a friendly in Scotland in advance of their three-game tour of Asia this summer.

With Postecoglou at the helm, there is one very obvious venue that Tottenham will be targeting for that pre-season friendly in Scotland.

A conflict between Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham and Celtic may want to lead to a big payday for each clubs

If Tottenham were to journey to Scotland this summer, a conflict with Celtic would make too a great deal experience now not to happen.

Postecoglou skilled masses of success with the Hoops, prevailing the treble at some stage in his closing season in charge, and his return to Celtic Park, even just for a friendly, would probable be a sell-out.

Join the Tottenham Hotspur News WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

The iconic ground can keep 60,000-plus, and once ticket income as properly as the cash generated from food and drink purchased inside the stadium is taken into account, Daniel Levy ought to be left a very pleased man.

Not only would masses of supporters be desperate to flock to the ground, but these unable to get their hands on a ticket would possibly be eager to catch a glimpse of the motion at home.

Spurs and Celtic are arguably two of Britain’s largest clubs, and a showdown between the two aspects would probably attract a large television-watching audience.

Daniel Levy continues to help Tottenham grow commercially.

Any manageable broadcasting or sponsorship deals from the clash may want to as soon as again show to be very moneymaking for each clubs concerned due to the activity the match would generate.

Pre-season fixtures are regularly a wonderful way for golf equipment to raise some cash, as nicely as an opportunity for gamers to get themselves geared up for the season ahead.

Exploiting positive markets is constantly helpful when it comes to doing this, and it is honest to say that utilising Postecoglou’s connection with Celtic would be a stroke of genius from Levy and Tottenham.

The toxic abuse has prompted Liel Abada and Celtic to split ways

Liel Abada Celtic, JULY 19, 2023 – Football / Soccer : Friendly match between Yokohama F.Marinos 6-4 Celtic FC at Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa, Japan

Celtic and Liel Abada are set to phase approaches after two and a half years together. The attacker has finished a clinical with MLS facet FC Charlotte beforehand of a deal well worth £11m.

Much has been made of the winger’s reasons for going and it is clear that the events from October 7th 2023 are the starting point for the player’s choice to go away the Scottish Champions after two profitable seasons. The Israeli winger fought his way returned from harm and again to motion in the December win against Rangers, where he acquired a standing ovation with the aid of a sell-out Celtic Park.

The narrative in current weeks is that Celtic followers have pressured Abada from the club. This is nonsense. The solely pressure that has been placed on Abada is coming from Israel, who are enraged by using his continued association with Celtic.

It has no doubt been very challenging for the 22-year-old to deal with the speculation and the delivered scrutiny towards him and his girlfriend. The Celtic supporters displaying harmony with Palestine has irked Israelis, who have targeted Abada on social media aligning him with the views held by way of some supporters.

Since arriving in the summer of 2021, Abada had been an extraordinary acquisition through Celtic. The Celtic manager dealt with the player in the first-rate possible manner by means of getting an arm round him and convincing him that he will no longer face a backlash from followers over his nationality. This used to be genuine and the participant is no longer leaving due to the fact of some thing that Celtic have done.

In 106 appearances, Abada has assisted 21 times while netting on 29 occasions, winning 5 trophies alongside the way. The winger popped up with some huge goals in the course of his time at the club and he leaves with the fantastic wishes of everyone.

Liel Abada’s ally asserts As the game was about to end, Celtic fans treated the winger in an offensive way

Maccabi Petah Tikva president Avi Luzon didn’t keep returned on the Parkhead assist with Abada nearing a cross to Charlotte FC.

Liel Abada’s former president claims the winger was left with no desire however to leave Celtic – as he sensationally claimed the fans had dealt with him “disgustingly.”

Avi Luzon is the head honcho at Abada’s former membership Maccabi Petah Tikva and is eyeing a bumper payday with the broad man inching towards a £10millon pass to Charlotte FC. The Scottish Premiership champions and the Major League Soccer facet are ironing out the closing details earlier than the Israel worldwide jets off to take one of the specific participant spots at his new club.

He hasn’t performed because the win over Hibs closing month with Brendan Rodgers leaving the participant out of the squad due to personal motives amid the ongoing battle in the Middle East. The scenario has also been delivered to by factors of the Celtic aid who have flown flags and shown their guide for Palestine with Abada coming beneath strain from his homeland.

Rodgers has beforehand shut down reports in Israel claiming that Abada had been abused in the street amid the fighting notwithstanding retaining ordinary chats with the player. But speaking to Sport 5 , Luzon attempted to put the blame returned on the Celtic fans.

Liel Abada looks set for a move to the MLS

Liel Abada looks set for a move to the MLS (Image: SNS Group)

Asked about the transfer, the membership chief said: “On a non-public level, Liel Abada felt very bad with everything that was happening, such as the indignation of the followers on the road closer to him – more than once. The fans treated him disgustingly and left him no choice.

“I’m completely happy for him that he found a precise place. Brendan Rodgers wanted him, they upgraded his contract in the summer with twice as a whole lot salary. So they did desire him at the opening of the season. Liel felt unwelcome, there had been antagonistic looks and it is not excellent to experience that.”

Celtic are losing out on millions of money with a player previously valued at a “mind-boggling” £15 million or more – viewpoint

The Scottish giants are now reportedly set to money in on their former megastar forward.

 

The January switch window for Celtic slammed shut at the start of last month and the Scottish giants were rather busy in the market right up to the deadline.

Nicolas Kuhn arrived on a permanent deal from Austrian outfit Rapid Wien earlier than Adam Idah used to be snapped up on loan from English side Norwich City, with no alternative to buy at the stop of the season.

Brendan Rodgers also allowed David Turnbull to depart on a permanent basis as he achieved a go to Cardiff City in the Championship. Meanwhile, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, Marco Tilio, and Mikey Johnson all had mortgage exits sanctioned by means of the Northern Irish tactician.

They were organized to let all three of these gamers depart and, as you can see in the desk above, Johnson, in particular, has thrived in England with West Bromwich Albion.

The window is not closed in all nations and some other Celtic player is now reportedly set for a move away from Parkhead, for a charge that is thousands and thousands decrease than what he has been touted for in the past.

According to Football Insider, Hoops ahead Liel Abada is poised to complete a transfer to the MLS to cease his almost-three-year stint in Glasgow.

The file claims that the Israel worldwide has reached a full settlement with Charlotte FC, who are managed via former Norwich and Aston Villa head instruct Dean Smith, to be a part of them ‘imminently’.

It states that the Scottish giants have normal an provide from the MLS facet that is stated to be really worth in extra of £8m to turn out to be one of their exact players, and have on account that posted an replace that claims the deal ought to reach £10m with add-ons.

Football Insider declare that Abada used to be unsettled at Parkhead due to ‘major personal issues’ over the scenario in his home country, and he is now set to pass on from the club.

Last month, Rodgers printed that Abada was once not in the right state of mind to take to the area for the Hoops due to the troubles off the pitch, which made it a hard scenario for the player.

He is now going to put that in the back of him by using making the cross to America to link-up with Charlotte, who have won one and drawn one in their opening two matches of the 2024 MLS campaign.

It is an unlucky situation, given Abada’s issues have now not been specifically down to his performances on the pitch, and that is why it is hard to criticise Celtic for how it has played out.

However, with the benefit of hindsight, the Hoops might also regret now not having cashed in on him in a previous transfer window when his price used to be higher, as they have doubtlessly ignored out on millions as a result.

How an awful lot Celtic as soon as valued Abada at

The winger was once signed from Maccabi Petah Tikva for a reported fee of £3.5m during Ange Postecoglou’s first summer switch window in charge of the club.

By September of his 2nd season, in 2022, Football Insider suggested that the Hoops believed that Abada would be worth in extra of £15m in the next two switch windows in 2023.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish reacted to that valuation and claimed that it was “mind-boggling” and very difficult for Celtic to flip down if any gives came in at that price.

Football Insider then claimed in April 2023 that Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Southampton – who have been then relegated to the Championship – were interested in a swoop for the forward.

The Saints were also linked with Abada ahead of the January transfer window last year. However, they went on to splash a whopping £22m on forward Kamaldeen Sulemana from Ligue 1 facet Rennes.

This suggests that the English outfit had the cash handy to spend £15m , that Celtic believed he could be really worth simply a few months prior, on a new winger.

It stays unknown as to whether or no longer Southampton would have been prepared to spend that money on Abada, or if they have been only willing to pay much less than that, though.

The Bhoys might also look again with a tinge of be apologetic about as they should have pushed to sell him that window amid the Premier League interest in his services.

There was once now not predicting the way things would turn out over the subsequent 12 months, however, and that is why they must not be closely criticised for now not opting to go down that route, even if it now appears that they neglected out on tens of millions as a result.

Liel Abada’s Premiership statistics

The 22-year-old wizard hit the floor running at some point of his first season at the membership beneath Postecoglou with excellent as a scorer and a creator from the wing.

Abada made 36 appearances in the Scottish Premiership during the 2021/22 marketing campaign and started 24 times as Celtic received the league title beneath the Australian head coach.

The younger gem caught the eye with his contributions at the pinnacle quit of the pitch as he racked up ten goals, six assists, and 13 ‘big chances’ created in these 36 outings in the top-flight.

Only Kyogo Furuhashi (12) and Giorgos Giakoumakis (13) scored greater goals in the division for Celtic than the winger, at the same time as Jota (ten) was once the only attacking midfielder to provide more assists for the club.

As you can see in the desk above, the Hoops speedster struggled to preserve his place in the starting line-up however nonetheless made a huge contribution in the closing third with 15 desires and assists mixed in 34 matches, no matter beginning simply thirteen times.

In total, Abada fired in 29 goals and assisted a similarly 22 in 112 appearances for the Scottish giants in much less than three full seasons at Parkhead before his impending go to Charlotte.

Overall, his time in Glasgow should be viewed as a success as the ahead furnished lots of dreams and assists for the duration of Postecoglou’s two title-winning Premiership seasons at the club.

He is additionally now set to be sold for a earnings on the £3.5m that was paid for his services lower back in 2021, even if it could have been for thousands and thousands extra had matters labored out differently.

This is hardly surprising in Scotland. Chris Sutton’s Tynecastle verdict

Chris Sutton took in the occasions at Tynecastle yesterday and thought- only in Scotland.

The one time England striker covers the recreation north and south of the border for retailers ranging from the BBC to Sky Sports plus the Daily Mail and Daily Record.

Every week he is dealing with footballing issues on the park however also a growing variety off the park with VAR throwing up issues and discussions each suit day.

Brendan Rodgers is usually one of the most reserved managers in the business, he sees detaching himself from the emotions as phase of his job but at Tynecastle he felt that lines were crossed.

In various post-match interviews the Celtic boss claimed that the result was decided by using the in shape officials.

John Beaton on VAR responsibility used to be the focal point of Rodgers’ comments but ultimately the choices have been made on the park by way of Don Robertson.

Both officials are on the FIFA list, being involved in European and international fixtures as well as the top Scottish matches.

Ironically FIFA had been assembly in Loch Lomond over the weekend reviewing the Laws of the Game, the equal laws apply universally but after observing the drama from Tynecastle Sutton is puzzled via the way that those laws are utilized in the Scottish game.

Tomoki Iwata confesses Celtic fans left him perplexed and believing the booing was intended at him

Japenese midfielder reflects on moment that irritated supervisor Brendan Rodgers

Tomoki Iwata admits he puzzled if the boos from the Celtic fans have been for him when he was once taken off against Motherwell last weekend.

The large visiting help jeered the selection to exchange him with Paulo Bernardo given the energy of the Japanese midfielder’s performance in his first look on account that December. That reaction aggravated manager Brendan Rodgers, particularly given Celtic went on to win 3-1 thanks to two injury-time goals.

Iwata was once left bemused, too, and feared it used to be a negative response to his personal display.

Celtic's Tomoki Iwata with manager Brendan Rodgers after being subbed off against Motherwell last weekend. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Celtic’s Tomoki Iwata with manager Brendan Rodgers after being subbed off against Motherwell last weekend. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

“At the commencing I was once confused,” he published through a translator. “Like ‘is it toward me?’ or what? But then I assume it was, in a way, a praise and I took it very well.

“I just favor to meet the expectations now. Now I’m starting to function in games and virtually glad about it. Hopefully I can appear to contribute greater towards the group winning.

“Before that I was once of course pissed off at not being involved in the group due to the fact of accidents or unique situations.

“I used to be hoping that I would get possibilities so, yeah, it was a tough second but now I’m happy. The only issue I was once questioning about used to be how I used to be going to get the time on the pitch here – how I can improve myself and how I can make a contribution to the team.”

Iwata thanked his family for helping him at some point of those difficult moments on the sidelines. “I didn’t experience it used to be as challenging as maybe it may want to have been because my household supported me very well,” he added. “I’m very settled in Glasgow.”

Exclusive: Chris Sutton says that Mark Lawwell had to fall on a Celtic sword before he could demand “collective responsibility.”

The head of first-team recruitment left the club in the wake of criticism over current transfer business.

Chris Sutton insists Mark Lawwell had to fall on his sword for failure in the closing two transfer windows.

Parkhead bosses have introduced recruitment chief Lawwell – son of chairman Peter – had resigned along with lead scout Joe Dudgeon with the pair leaving to ‘pursue clean challenges’. But Record Sport columnist Sutty believes the pair have carried the can for blunders in the transfer market that have left Celts playing capture up in the title race going into the domestic straight.

He said: “There have been questions over who was to blame for January – and the window final summer. Now it appears like we have the answer. Celtic might say Mark Lawwell is leaving to pursue other opportunities however it looks like he’s fallen on his sword. There was once an inevitability about this after Peter Lawwell’s assertion in the meantime accounts. The chairman stated the clubs shared the frustration about the lack of signings in the window when Brendan Rodgers had stated he wanted four first-rate recruits. The massive question was why – and who was to blame? I think we now know.

Mark Lawwell

“There need to be a collective duty when it comes to transfers from the recruitment group to the manager. But truely something wasn’t right – and it goes returned to final summer. You look at the gamers coming in. Some of them honestly have not been fancied and that has put the spotlight on the recruitment team.”

Mark Lawwell joined the membership in 2022 after being encouraged by means of former manager Ange Postecoglou, with the pair working collectively for the City Football Group in Japan. Sutton said: “By all accounts it used to be Mark Lawwell who had a hand in getting Postecoglou to Celtic in the first place.

“Initially it seemed to be working but needless to say the exchange in administration has now not been as clean and they are not on the same page. There didn’t appear to be a lot of a trouble with recruitment under Postecoglou.

“The breakdown over the remaining two windows has put Peter Lawwell in a challenging role however if the supervisor wasn’t completely happy with things at the back of the scenes, then it used to be an issue that had to be addressed. The problem for Celtic is it should be too late and the window has been and long past and Rodgers wasn’t capable to convey in the players he needed.”

Peter and Mark Lawwell have each come under fireplace from fans this season after failing to build on a position of power ultimate summer. Celts spent greater than £20m but toiled to change Treble heroes Jota and Carl Starlet with massive money arrivals such as Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki failing to nail down everyday roles whilst numerous development gamers made limited impact.

Rodgers was once eying 4 experienced new faces in January – but solely managed to bag Adam Idah on loan from Norwich and winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna. Idah – who used to be already on Rodgers’ radar – has hit the floor going for walks whilst Kuhn is made a low key begin in Scotland.

Celtic are now set to substitute their recruitment management team and their statement said: “Mark Lawwell, head of first crew scouting and recruitment, and Joe Dudgeon, lead first group scout, have resigned from their positions and are leaving the membership to pursue clean challenges.

“Mark used to be recruited to the club via then manager, Ange Postecoglou, in May 2022 from his role as Head of CFG scouting and recruitment, inside City Football Group’s international structure. Joe joined from City Football Group in November 2022. Mark and Joe will be on a length of gardening leave.”

Boss Rodgers said: “As section of the Club’s recruitment team, Mark and Joe have worked tirelessly to carry success to Celtic, and I would like to want them each the very high-quality for the future.”

Meanwhile Parkhead CEO Michael Nicholson added: “Everyone at Celtic thanks Mark and Joe for their contribution and dedication to the club, and we wish them both every success moving forward.”

Adam Idah is accused of an unseen Celtic “punch” an unanimous red card decision on club TV is sparked by a flashpoint

The striker has impressed considering making the loan cross to the Premiership from Norwich City.

Simon Donnelly feared Adam Idah had thrown a “punch” at some point of a heated exchange as Celtic annihilated Dundee.

It was a Scottish Premiership stroll for the champions as they battered Tony Docherty’s 10-man side at Celtic Park – with Brendan Rodgers’ men taking a whopping 6-0 lead into the spoil at Parkhead. But regardless of Idah, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda and Greg Taylor giving Celtic a five-goal benefit followers have been sweating after the Ireland cap used to be concerned in a tussle with Ricki Lamie.

Idah was once flagged offside and seemed to be pushed over by using the Dundee defender as he trudged back up the pitch. The striker then reacted angrily and shoved Lamie to the ground – which noticed referee Matthew MacDermid attain for the yellow card with VAR refusing to intervene in the flashpoint – while Lamie averted going into the book for his part in the incident.

Adam Idah of Celtic receives a yellow card

Adam Idah of Celtic receives a yellow card (Image: Getty Images)

On Celtic TV, Peter Grant was concerned it could have been tons worse for the Norwich City loanee – and was once joined by using Donnelly in thinking about the superstar lucky to avoid a crimson card. He said: “I suppose he is onside. He has acquired a wee bit of frustration there.

“I understand Lamie can’t do what he does but Adam absolutely can’t do that. I am happy it’s only a booked because presently they say you raise your palms and you’re at risk.”

And onnelly admitted he was involved that the frontman should be shown a pink card with the conflict in opposition to Hearts simply around the corner. The former Celtic celebrity added: “We weren’t sure if he had thrown a punch. He has pushed him.

“You see the experienced players going over and having a word. I suppose I noticed Joe Hart go over. He simply wants to calm himself down due to the fact he is a boy on form. He popped up at a quintessential time. He has been a actual discover and has scored necessary dreams for Celtic. So nothing stupid 2d half.”

‘That’s what excites me’… Adam Idah discusses the major factors for his strong Celtic form

Celtic striker Adam Idah has come to be a outstanding feature of Brendan Rodgers’ attack when you consider that shifting to Parkhead on mortgage closing month.

The Republic of Ireland global arrived to little fanfare on closing date day; however, it is tough to assume where the Bhoys would be except his contribution.

Following an assist on his debut away to Aberdeen, Idah scored two stress penalties towards Hibernian at Easter Road, incomes a last-gasp victory for the Bhoys amid their ongoing hostilities to win the Scottish Premiership.

Last weekend, the 23-year-old came off the bench to replace Kyogo Furuhashi at Motherwell, with his facet wanting to overturn a one-goal deficit at the interval.

Making a addiction of turning into the hero, Idah replied by using scoring a brace at Fir Park, together with a 94th-minute strike to make certain his aspect didn’t fall in addition at the back of Rangers in the title race.

Come the next day night, it would be a huge surprise if Idah weren’t selected to play from the start towards Dundee amid his tremendous form.

Reports in Ireland claim that he could be reachable for a fee in extra of £3 million upon the expiration of his mortgage settlement this summer, which may also be a charge too precise to ignore up if he continues to deliver.

Adam Idah exhibits principal reasons in the back of his Celtic form

Idah embodies a persona with a cool persona and doesn’t seem too fazed by using the prospect of leading the line for Celtic.

Despite the pressure associated with wearing the green and white shirt, the Cork-born man had admitted that he prospers off the delivered expectation bestowed upon his shoulders.

He defined [Cited via The Celtic Way]: “Look, there’s constantly going to be strain going into any game. There’s continually strain at Celtic due to the fact it’s such a big club, and the demands on each person are huge.”

He later added: “I think I thrive off pressure. That’s what excites me. For a lot of players, that’s what you play soccer for. That strain gives you that bit of motivation. I understand for me, that’s when I play my best.”

Admittedly, Idah is nevertheless early into his Celtic career; nevertheless, he has passed every check thrown at him so a long way with flying colours.

Regardless if there are conversations in the works surrounding his long-term future, all he can do is keep taking his risk to shine on the pitch.

Rodgers described his contribution last Sunday as ‘outstanding’ and there is each and every risk he could’ve performed his way into an extended run in the former Liverpool manager’s starting line-up over the coming weeks.

Rodgers heads straight for Lennon Miller as Celtic manager gives the Motherwell player invisible props.

Miller impressed for Motherwell notwithstanding their eventual defeat and Rodgers made a point of seeking him out after full-time.

Lennon Miller showed Celtic he would possibly just be the actual deal on Saturday and Brendan Rodgers noticed enough as he lavished praise on the gifted teen after his side’s win.

The Motherwell starlet left Callum McGregor for dead on the side of the Celtic box before having the recognition to tee up Blair Spittal, who swept the Steelmen into a deserved first 1/2 lead at Fir Park. Adam Idah’s introduction was the catalyst for a second half turnaround, however Miller made his mark on the recreation as he enjoys an ever developing popularity as a future star.

And Rodgers made a point of congratulating the 17-year-old afterwards. Following their respective post-match media responsibilities and while Well boss Stuart Kettlewell was doing his very own post-match presser, Rodgers made positive he congratulated Miller on his display, and Hoops fans will hope it truly is part of a longer term transfer design for the Scotland Under 19 international.

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew urged Celtic to snap him up and get him into their midfield straight away. He advised Sky Sports: “You see the impact he has on the recreation today. He’s like a man the way he plays. He is so clever. We see him asking for the keeper to take the aim kick up and flick it on like his dad used to do. What a player. Level-headed boy. Comes from a desirable household as well.

“If I was once Celtic or Rangers I would signal him now and have him in the team. What a participant he is.”

And Chris Sutton posted his understanding on social media after the game: “Sensational second half from Adam Idah. Two brilliant, first-rate finishes Yang exceptional broad on the proper and gave some lots wished danger and quality. Celtic can’t proceed to play for simply forty five minutes each game… Motherwell’s Lennon Miller appears a player.”

‘Missing the context’: Simon Jordan dismantles Jim White’s story about Celtics and Brendan Rodgers

Celtic defeated Motherwell 3-1 at the weekend, rallying from a goal down to impenetrable a morale-boosting three points at Fir Park.

Brendan Rodgers has now closed the gap to two factors at the Scottish Premiership summit and suddenly ended an interview with the BBC after refusing to make bigger on what he supposed at the back of mentioning there is already a ‘story being written’ about the fate of his side this season.

talkSPORT presenter Jim White and his co-host Simon Jordan traded some interesting verbals surrounding the problem on today’s imparting of the radio show.

White started off involving Rodgers’ refusal to explain what he meant, stating: “Who’s obtained an agenda?”

Jordan replied: “He believes that the media are writing a narrative that Celtic are carried out and finished, and he doesn’t prefer to give them an probability to flip round and say to him, I think this is your agenda.

“What you’re trying to do is you’re now not attempting to pay attention on my win; you’re concentrating on Rangers. If you favor to discuss about Rangers, go speak to Rangers.”

White then queried why Rodgers commented on a ‘story being written’ about Celtic, stating: “So why did he say that?”

Jordan: “Maybe he idea better of it due to the fact what’s that historic expression? The pen is mightier than the sword; that’s the purpose why, due to the fact once you open the container on something, there’s no willpower on something about giving it context or nuance.

“The journalist will write what they assume is the fantastic headline to get the attraction, and there’ll be no nuance, no context, no balance because it’s no longer suited.”

White: “Not suited with the aid of who?”

Jordan: “The journalist.”

White: “No, Simon, you’re lacking the point. You don’t get it. This journalist, in this instance, is now not asking the query in the knowledge of the reply she’s going to get; she’s legitimately asking a follow-up question.

Jordan: “You’re lacking the context; his reaction is; why are you guys pedalling a narrative about what Rangers are doing and that Celtic are done?”

Celtic have no room for distractions in their pursuit of a double

Whether human beings think Celtic are jointly subjected to certain remedy via segments of the media or not, it doesn’t matter, truthfully.

Realistically, supporters will solely care about the taking part in body of workers having a fireplace in their belly to go and claim some other Scottish Premiership title, some thing they hope can be joined in the trophy cupboard by way of the Scottish Cup when all is stated and done.

Evaluating yesterday’s victory towards Motherwell, Adam Idah, Tomoki Iwata and Hyunjun Yang, in particular, established their ability to supply in crunch moments.

Cameron Carter-Vickers’ return from damage additionally had a substantial bearing on our increased second-half performance, which many hope can be the catalyst for an exciting quit to the campaign.

Dundee watch for at Parkhead in midweek earlier than a crucial test in opposition to Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on Sunday.

One suspects the effect of these two fixtures will go a long way towards determining if this Celtic facet has the steel required to make their aspirations into a reality.

Kenny Dalglish emphasizes that he is not a Celtic “disruptor” as the icon receives a prompt response to surfacing concerns

The legendary Parkhead striker is viewed as one of the club’s all-time greats thanks to a report of 173 dreams in 338 appearances.

Celtic icon Kenny Dalglish received an immediate response from his former club after they made amends to a number of of the troubles causing the King strife in their turnaround 3-1 win over Motherwell.

The legendary Parkhead striker is viewed as one of the club’s all-time greats thanks to a report of 173 dreams in 338 appearances in green and white. But the 72-year-old has been unable to hide his rising difficulty over Celtic’s stuttering performances with rivals Rangers leapfrogging Brendan Rodgers’ aspect to sit atop the Scottish Premiership.

And it regarded the side who have laid claim 11 of the past 12 titles were about to sink into a four-point hole but a rousing second-half display at Fir Park. Adam Idah’s gorgeous brace off the bench blanketed a last-gasp strike and the win seems integral with only eleven video games remaining. Rodgers and his Celtic players soaked up the acclaim from relieved supporters at the ultimate whistle.

Dalglish – who has located recent shows flat – proved the a savant with his to-do listing for Celtic earlier than kick-off. Writing in his Sunday Post column, he said: “They want to be extra direct in the wider areas and greater ruthless in their shielding duties all over the pitch. Things can turn very quickly and my thoughts are no longer supposed to be disruptive. I’m simply being realistic and it would not give me any pleasure.

“They have plenty to play for and want to improve. Brendan is aware of it’s no longer been true enough but there is still time to turn it around. Let’s see what they can do.”

Watch: Spectacular, Adam Idah Heads in the equalizer goal for Celtic against Motherwell

Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring their side’s second goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell. Picture date: Sunday February 25, 2024. PA Photo.

Adam Idah has levelled the scoring at 1-1 towards Motherwell with a powerful header.

The Irishman convincingly headed the ball previous Liam Kelly in the Motherwell purpose from a Greg Taylor cross.

Idah replaced Kyogo Furuhashi at half-time with the Japanese striker unable to make any affect on the game.

Despite questions over Idah’s closing date day mortgage move, he has confirmed himself to be extra than a capable striker who can lead the line when needed.

The goal highlights but another component of Idah’s game: his aerial threat, which until now supporters hadn’t considered simply how fantastic he is in the air.

Idah has quieted any critics due to his hardworking nature and capacity to step up no matter Celtic playing poorly in latest weeks.

If he continues to be fantastic in the front of goal, Celtic will in all likelihood appear to make his loan pass permanent in the summer.

With no option to buy, how a great deal the Hoops would have to pay stays unclear.

Idah’s attitude absolutely stands out every time he plays.

His self belief in the front of intention is certainly imposing to opposition defenders, with his tempo and energy forming a hard combination to deal with.

Peter Lawwell Will break open the Celtic transfer checkbook as Brendan Rodgers admits to spending

Lawwell insists the Hoops hierarchy aren;t hoarding cash and they share punters’ switch window frustrations.

Peter Lawwell is adamant Hoops chiefs are not hoarding cash – and they share fan frustration at failing to splash out in January.

The Parkhead club introduced bumper mid-season monetary consequences with revenues up to £85m and £67m in the club’s coffers. Lawwell revealed Celts had spent £23m since remaining summer amid essential investment in the new Barrowfield training complicated and the first team’s Lennoxtown HQ. But the chairman admitted the winter transfer window wasn’t up to scratch with simply £3m recruit Nicolas Kuhn and mortgage signing Adam Idah touchdown and big targets slipping via the net.

Lawwell insisted Celtic WILL crack open the kitty and he said: “The board recognises the inherent inefficiencies of holding excess cash, and, in conjunction with different money commitments, the significance of investing in strengthening the crew to supply soccer success. The board shares the frustrations of the supporters regarding the less than anticipated exercise in the current transfer window.

“Since the opening of the transfer window in June, we have committed £23.9m in participant investment. Within this we renewed and prolonged the contracts of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liel Abada, Matt O’Riley, Anthony Ralston and Reo Hatate.

“The board’s dedication is to support and improve the enjoying squad in every transfer window and although assets had been available, we had been unable to similarly add to the squad due to the unavailability of recognized targets.

“This was disappointing to us all, and never the intention. The January switch window is notoriously difficult as clubs are very reluctant to let their best gamers go at such a imperative time of the season just as we are. Indeed, we resisted robust activity in our gamers from different clubs.”

Celtic made a trading profit of £32m thanks to Champions League dosh for the second season on the spin. The money glide historically dips in the 2nd half of of the season but Lawwell insisted the long-term approach of improving in Europe is key – alongside with war it out in the the rest of the domestic season.

He said: “We took comfort from a range of appropriate performances (in the Champions League) which will serve our squad well, but our objective is to hold enhancing and competing in Europe.

“Looking in the direction of the 12 months ahead, prevailing the Premiership and the Scottish Cup is our on the spot center of attention and priority. There remains a lengthy way to go and all to play for. We will all unite at the back of the team.”

Brendan Rodgers made repeated calls for first-class before and at some point of the switch window. But the boss admits it’s up to him to spend any cash wisely.

He said: “They (financial results) show that the membership is certainly well run from a business point of view and strategically brilliant. Money in the bank, secure, everything.

“My job is to convince us from a footballing strategic standpoint to improve. Ownership and how the membership function from a enterprise perspective though, I don’t assume anyone can argue with that.

Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers

“What we have to likely look at and ask the question is how we can improve. That’s the key question, how can we be better?

“How can we enhance the soccer and the soccer side, and that’s what I’m right here to do. I’m no longer an accountant, I’m no longer the chief executive, I’m now not a lawyer.

“Michael (Nicholson), Chris (McKay), Dermot (Desmond) and these guys run the club and the business facet unbelievably well and have completed for many years. I came returned here to see if I ought to influence the soccer approach and appear to make the football the very first-class that we can.

“That’s always key. Having a philosophy, having a market, understanding the players that you desire that can healthy into that philosophy, then you’re halfway there. Then, it’s just about discovering them.”

Rodgers insisted his predominant force was once getting Celts lower back on structure at Motherwell on Sunday after stumbling towards Killie remaining week and surrendering top spot to Rangers. The Hoops gaffer – who has Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston again from damage – said: “We are now not top of the league because of ourselves and the factors we have dropped. But we have to analyze from that and be targeted very a whole lot on our own overall performance and that ‘s what the subsequent 12 video games will be.

“We’ve had eight wins and two attracts which probable feels like eight losses and two draws. There’s still been a lot of proper in the video games it’s simply when the end result disappoints and the performance disappoints, then it doesn’t give you a properly feeling.”



Related Topics:
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending