Brendan Rodgers gives Chris Sutton a slap for “going through the motions” in the Celtics game

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

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

But the Celtic supervisor gave short shrift to Sutton’s comments, saying that he would never have had the success he has during his profession 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 right here if I went thru the motions in anything.

“I had no massive enjoying career, no large records in the game. I had to fight for the whole thing I received in the game.

“That will continually be the case. I’ve in no way been granted any privileges in my existence as a younger coach and as a manager.

“So, no, I’ve sincerely now not long past via the motion, that’s for sure.

“[The fire]’s nevertheless constantly there. I’m here to win, I’ve stated that before, and I understand how to win. It’s now not new.

“I stated that to gamers in here in the past in the season, when we had the game in opposition to St Johnstone at home. I’m here to win, now not to draw and simply not to lose games. And I be aware of how to win. And that’s something that, over time, with any luck I can exhibit here.

“I was here in my first time with a group of players who I used to be able to maximise the attainable of simply all of them. It will be the identical here. With the right profile of gamers – and players we can bring up – they will do that. That’s what I’ve performed all my career.

“So, no, I’m really not going via the motions. It’s a exclusive duration of my managerial career, however I’m virtually not going thru the motions.”

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

“I don’t hear to it,” he said.

“I assume there used to be criticism due to the fact we misplaced but I couldn’t tell you where it’s come from or who it’s been given from.

“That’s phase of the role of a manager. You learn to alter that. I’m also one who, with experience, in no way receives too emotional with words.

“I determine matters logically and the truth was that we weren’t correct enough. For some thing reason. Second 1/2 towards Kilmarnock, towards Hearts – we weren’t excellent enough. There are classes there for us as a team. Hopefully we can heed these lessons, that’s part of the challenge.

“In phrases of criticism, listen, it takes place when you’re no longer winning. It’s some thing that should have an effect on you when you’re a very younger manager, but it doesn’t [affect] me.

“I’m here with a mentality to make this proper and with a bit of luck we can supply that.”

Rangers ‘to endure 2 years without penalty loss’, Celtic acquires an EPL striker, Green Brigade returns, Hibs vs Hearts TV debut – Scottish football news

The trendy news from throughout Scottish soccer as the names of two attainable Celtic transfer ambitions emerge

Celtic move for EPL striker

Celtic have submitted an enquiry to Wolves over the availability of striker Fabio Silva, in accordance to a report. Wolves signed the Portugal Under-21 international from Porto for a club file £35million price again in 2020 and he has scored five goals in seventy two appearances for the Molineux outfit. He has fallen down the pecking order below manager Gary O’Neil with just three begins in the English Premier League this season, whilst his solely intention of the campaign so some distance came in a League Cup win over Blackpool. Silva used to be loaned out twice last season, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances at Anderlecht, before becoming a member of PSV in January, where he managed four desires in 14 matches. Football Scotland claim that Celtic have made contact with Wolves with regards signing the forward, most probable on loan, with Brendan Rodgers keen to add to a striker to his squad in advance of the Asian Cup which should see Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda called up through Japan, likewise Oh Hyeon-gyu for South Korea.

Hibs v Hearts TV first

Hibs head educate Nick Montgomery will wear a microphone as phase of Sky Sports’ stay insurance of Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby in Scottish football TV first. The pass is aimed at enabling fans staring at at domestic to hear the specific coaching and procedures from the sideline, whilst a member of the Hibs teaching workforce will put on a bodycam to supply a first-person standpoint of the team on the pitch from the dugout. Sky Sports will additionally be given get admission to to the Hearts crew motel for a pre-match meal, and a bodycam will be strapped to a Jambos player during the warm-up. The enhancements for the Easter Road showdown follows Sky Sports’ EFL ‘Innovation Game’ remaining season, which covered behind-the-scenes access for the broadcast of the Wycombe vs Portsmouth healthy in League One.

Green Brigade return

Celtic ultras, The Green Brigade, are set to return to Parkhead on Saturday for the match towards Livingston following a 13-game ban. The supporters team were denied tickets for all home and away fits after what club bosses described as “unacceptable conduct” back in November . The ban used to be imposed simply days after the group defied requests no longer to fly Palestine flags during October’s 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Celtic have additionally obtained hefty fines from UEFA for fan behaviour during European fits which included lighting flares and exhibiting offensive banners. The dispute has now been resolved with the Green Brigade set to return to their normal corner area of the stadium for the visit of Livingston, and in advance of the Old Firm conflict aganst Rangers at Celtic Park on December 30.

Celtic watch Ivorian midfielder

Celtic have positioned Hacken midfielder Romeo Amane on their transfer watchlist, according to a report. The 20-year-old Ivorian impressed on Scottish soil until now this season when he helped the Swedish facet knock Aberdeen out of the Europa League play-offs with a 3-1 win at Pittodrie. Football Scotland declare Amane was watched through Celtic scouts during the Europa League healthy towards Qarabag in Azerbaijan final week with the playmaker set to be fast-tracked up the doable recruitment shortlist. Amane has scored three goals and contributed three aid for Hacken this season and was once linked with Ajax earlier this year.

Motherwell investment search no knee-jerk reaction

Motherwell supervisor Stuart Kettlewell has careworn the club’s search for funding is section of a herbal force to improve. Chairman Jim McMahon this week introduced he would step down by the give up of the season and claimed the club wished “significant investment” to keep a “competitive player budget”. Interim chief govt Derek Weir is additionally aiming to make way for a permanent successor by using the stop of March. The board will soon unveil plans for a fund-raising initiative which they have been working on for at least two years, however the fan-owned club had never beforehand publicly introduced their intentions. “I think we can dramatise things,” stated Kettlewell, whose crew host Rangers on Christmas Eve as they search for a first win in 15 matches. “The clearest way I can put it is this isn’t a knee-jerk reaction. I can stress from my factor of view, this is only being completed to see if we can move forward. All the add-ons about enormous investment, I have read one or two memories this week about other clubs, we are all trying to improve, we are all looking for that bit greater cash to attempt forward. It’s no one of a kind at Motherwell Football Club. That will have been a mindset for quite a few years at this club.”

Rangers penalty survival odds

A bookmaker has backed Rangers to go two full years besides conceding a penalty in the Scottish Premiership. It is seventy one matches due to the fact the Ibrox side remaining had a spot kick awarded towards them in the league again on January 18, 2022 in a 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie following an Alfredo Morelos handball. IF Philippe Clement’s rejuvenated facet keep away from conceding a spot-kick in their 4 remaining video games before the wintry weather damage – starting at Motherwell on Sunday, then Ross County at home, Celtic away and then Kilmarnock at home – then they will have survived 24 months except one being awarded in opposition to them, with the next match no longer till they travel to Easter Road to face Hibs on January 24. One bookmaker – https://instantcasino.com/ – have caught their neck out and supplied odds of 4/9 on them no longer conceding a penalty between now and then. Punters can get 7/4 on the run sooner or later coming to an stop in any of the subsequent four games.

Livingston will no longer be overawed by means of day trip to Celtic

Andrew Shinnie admitted Livingston are braced for a Celtic backlash on Saturday however the midfielder is adamant there will be “no defeatist attitude” as his bottom-of-the-table facet bid to stem a run of nine games barring a victory at the domestic of the cinch Premiership leaders. The Lions are five points adrift at the foot of the table and, following a slim defeat away to Aberdeen on Wednesday, their challenge does now not get any less difficult as they go to a Hoops facet bidding to soar returned after suffering back-to-back league defeats for the first time in a decade. “It’s not usually a appropriate element (to be taking part in a wounded animal) however either way they’re going to have to react to what’s been a couple of disappointing outcomes for them,” said Shinnie. “We’re awaiting them to strive to come flying out the traps after the closing couple of games so it will be a difficult one. At this minute in time, when you appear at the fixtures they’re all tough due to the fact we’re now not winning games. But Pittodrie is a challenging vicinity to go and we acquitted ourselves nicely on Wednesday. Celtic Park’s usually difficult and no longer many groups win there. But we’ve been there before and got points so there’s no defeatist attitude here. We’ll go there with a recreation design and they’re off the returned of a couple of awful consequences so if it’s a bit worrying there we’ll seem to be to capitalise on that.”

Rodgers and Clement want the same Portuguese striker for January, and Celtic and Rangers are “at the front of the race” for him

Celtic are set to do fighting with Rangers once again, this time for the signing of Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That’s according to O Jogo, who say the Old Firm duo are both eager on the striker as he looks to leave Molineux in the January transfer window, with Parkhead and Ibrox plausible destinations for him.

The newspaper reports that Silva is ‘preparing to depart Wolves’ when the market reopens and it appears he will be directed closer to Scottish football, the place Celtic and Rangers both have their eye on him.

The 21-year-old has another unnamed Spanish facet interested in him too, however the two Scottish teams, currently first and 2nd in the table are ‘at the front of the race’ according to O Jogo’s information.

Silva wants to go away again after barely proposing under Gary O’Neil this season and repeat the success he loved out on loan with Anderlecht and then PSV Eindhoven.

It is that which has presumably attracted Celtic and Rangers as they seem to bolster their squads for Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement.

Both sides aren’t entirely quick of options, with Celtic having Kyogo Furuhashi, Hyeon-gyu Oh and Johnny Kenny as striker selections while Rangers have Danilo, Cyriel Dessers, Kemar Roofe and Sam Lammers at their disposal, but actually see Silva as a step up on what they’ve got.

With simply two factors separating Celtic in first from Rangers in second, it’ll show to be a hard desire for Silva to make, need to they be the ones he has to pick out between as O Jogo suggest.

“I’m going to make a public statement.” Pundit believes Celtic man regrets ever joining the team

With Celtic apparently going thru a difficult spell at the moment, pundit, Ewan Cameron, believes all is no longer well behing the scenes at Parkhead.

After watching Brendan Rodgers‘ submit match interview, Cameron seen something odd about the Celtic manager and made a claim that Rodgers regrets coming again to Paradise.

Cameron stated [The Big Scottish Football Podcast], “Brendan Rodgers didn’t seem to be like he cared either. He stated he variety of anticipated it. Or it didn’t surprise him.

“I think there’s probable a combat going on behind the scenes politically. I’m additionally going to throw some thing out there.

“I suppose Brendan Rodgers these days regrets coming back. He regrets coming back. Everything about it.
“He wasn’t fully accepted when he walked via the doors. The Celtic fans had been ready to soar down his throat.

“And that’s what’s taking place proper now. And then Brendan Rodgers is now deflecting and hinting that these are no longer my players. This is now not who I favor to be playing.

“There’s Lagerbielke, they spent £3 million for him in the summer, apparently he’s up for sale in January.
“So I suppose there’s there’s a wee bit of infighting at the back of the scenes.”

Rodgers’ demeanour was once strange. Considering this was a manager who was, apparently, definitely livid with his team’s first half perfomance towards St Johnstone, the way the Celtic manager reacted after a meek home defeat in opposition to Hearts just doesn’t sit down right.

Despite bieng very honest about how the team performed, the followers would have been waiting for an agrier response from the Celtic manager.

The Celtic followers certainly made their feelings actually clear on Saturday and it seems now that Rodgers must make sure he alternatives up six factors from his subsequent two games.

With one of them being Rangers, the stress is definitely on the Celtic manager to beat his closest rival because if he doesn’t the fans will need to look at the league table over the New Year with Rangers sitting on top.

Nat Phillips, who had a bad loan experience, is returning to Liverpool

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips will return to Merseyside in January. The centre back has been up at Celtic in view that the summer season window, presenting aid to Brendan Rodgers’ backline amidst an injury crisis.

However, The Record reports that Phillips will return to his dad or mum club, citing lack of first team action.

Since arriving from Anfield, Phillips has made eight appearances and was once terrible in his cameo towards Hibs as properly as being at fault versus Killie. The huge defender has come in in spite of now not enjoying a lot of video games and has not impressed.

It is predicted that upon return to Anfield, the Englishman will be sent out on mortgage once more to get first group football.

However, Brendan Rodgers has been full of praise for the 26-year-old due to his commitment in training. The Irishman has utilised Phillips as his 1/3 defender in the back of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales. With Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke struggling to be concerned in suit day squads, Phillips departure would hopefully improve their efforts in education as they look to get into the first team.

‘A long while’: Pat Bonner reacts to Celtic fans chanting’sack the board’ during the team’s loss against Hearts

You have to say, the reaction from the Celtic followers at some point of the defeat in opposition to Hearts on Saturday used to be something that has been bubbling up for a while.

It was solely ultimate week that the gamers had been nonetheless unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, only to suffer a deserved loss to Kilmarnock.

What has been most annoying about Celtic’s performances below Brendan Rodgers has been the lack of chew and speed in the team’s play.

Some point closer to the Celtic board and why greater cash hasn’t been spent on proven stars to take the membership forward.

But, when fans started to get restless the day gone by and chants of ‘sack the board’ have been ringing round Parkhed, Pat Bonner disagreed with it all, as he told BBC Radio Scotland (16/12/23).

The Bhoys legend referred to that he ‘didn’t like to see’ the fans arguing amongst themselves, which sparked in the 2nd half.

At 2-0 down, any other poor displaying from the team, and no response after the break, the followers were solely going to react in one way. And you can’t blame them!

But Pat Bonner was also keen to mention that the group is still sitting pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table.

Celtic fans chant ‘sack the board’

“I suppose somebody is having a go at the Celtic board,” said Bonner as the crowd began to get restless.

Then when the first rounds of ‘sack the board’ chants went round the ground: “They are still in a role (to win the league). It’s nevertheless too early.

“It has been a whilst in view that I have viewed that response – we lost a lot of focal point there round the game. I have obtained to say, thinking about Celtic are nonetheless top of the league – I don’t like to see the followers arguing amongst themselves.”

Celtic v Livingston

There is now going to be huge, large strain on the players against Livingston subsequent Saturday.

You feel that the team have to get out of the traps from the get-go, or else, the players will sense strain like never before.

Three games remain earlier than the year is out – Livingston, away at Dundee and then Rangers.

Just win those matches, and whilst it doesn’t alternate much, it does add a feel-good component returned into the membership due to the fact it is truly needed right now.

Despite Rangers’ comeback under Clement, the Celtic icon is still confident in the title contest

The former Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers boss is tipping his historical club to raise the Scottish Premiership title again.

After a massive week in European football and a cup remaining taking location this Sunday, now not to mention various key Premiership fixtures for both sides, it is perhaps easy to overlook the first Old Firm derby is quickly approaching.

Celtic and Rangers will go head-to-head at Celtic Park in their remaining fixture of 2023 on December 30 in a in shape that, as ever, is possibly to have huge ramifications on the title race. The Hoops currently have a 5 factor lead over their Glasgow opponents however Philippe Clement’s guys do have a game in hand.

Last weekend’s defeat to Kilmarnock for the reigning champions, mixed with the fact that the Gers have not misplaced a healthy since the Frenchman’s arrival, has many predicting a title race that could go the distance. However, on Celtic legend remains assured that his ancient membership will as soon as again go on and raise the trophy at the stop of the season.

Paul Lambert used to be talking to Betway and believes that the Hoops are still very tons ‘favourites’ to win the league. He said: “It’ll be very hard to claw the title-fight again if they lose the subsequent Old Firm game. This will be Phillipe Clement’s first trip of the Old Firm, whereas Brendan and the Celtic gamers know all about it.

“There will additionally be a ban on Rangers followers – some thing it’s crazy to me as followers are such a huge part of the rivalry. We saw the equal element happen at Ibrox returned in May – and I assume that was once terrible, too.

“Clement is strolling into a recreation the place his global ride means nothing. This sport is specific from any different because of what it stands for. If Celtic win, I suppose they’re in the drivers’ seat. If Rangers get a result, then the title race will be back on. However, I still suppose Celtic are favourites as they’re at home.”

‘He isn’t going anywhere’: John Hartson identifies a Celtic player who is here to stay

Callum McGregor has been Mr Reliable and Mr Consistent in Celtic colorations for a variety of years now.

That fresh-faced teenager, who went on-loan to Notts County in 2013 and performed alongside Jack Grealish, is now proudly the Celtic captain and guiding the crew to trophy after trophy.

After 443 appearances for Celtic in all competitions, John Hartson thinks these numbers will accelerate even similarly and he will end his career at Parkhead, as he told Go Radio.

At the age of 30, this is Callum McGregor at the top of his powers.

There is no purpose for him to pass somewhere else due to the fact he is playing his excellent football, the captain of his boyhood club, enjoying in Europe’s elite opposition and prevailing trophies galore.

And even as ‘nothing surprises’ John Hartson in the game, in regards to players transferring at any time, he is certain about Callum McGregor.

Callum McGregor’s Celtic career

“The one players you seem at inside this Celtic side,” stated Hartson. “You seem to be at McGregor. He is a stay, he isn’t going anywhere, in my opinion.

“He is in there. He is captain. Celtic via and through. He has been here all his career. I would assume anybody like that would end his career at Celtic.

Important few weeks for Celtic

That win over Feyenoord was once crucial, not simply because it stops talk of Celtic being winless in Europe, however it was also a first-rate response from the weekend.

But heading towards that Rangers recreation on December 30, the crew have a number of huge games coming up, beginning with Hearts at the weekend.

Yes, the unbeaten streak is over in the Scottish Premiership. But if that draw with Motherwell, first-half displaying against St Johnstone and defeat in opposition to Kilmarnock is the worst of it, then carry the rest of it on.

Wretched bastards! John Hartson responds angrily to his television detractors

Other than placing the ball in the net John Hartson appreciated nothing higher than a precise 50-50 undertaking on the park- or a 40-60 to make it interesting.

He revelled in the physical challenges, a £2m teenage signing at Arsenal, scoring in a European ultimate at the age of 20 and up towards the odds almost every time that he pulled on the red jersey of Wales. He cherished it.

In retirement, in his thirties he defied the odds in his best ever battle, against cancer. Looking at him these days you’d by no means think about what he went thru in the summer season of 2009.

Some keyboard warriors are effortless meat for massive John, if people don’t like his enthusiasm for working on Celtic Champions League suits that is their problem. He ain’t going to exchange his style for a seat on the Sportscene sofa.

Late on Wednesday night large John put is thoughts collectively alternatively well interior one tweet.

Been doin co comms for 17years.. 3 major tournaments.. 3 years with 5 live.. 40 games a season. Still people will always look to criticise.. instead of giving praise when your spot on.. World we live in.. sad bastards ! Well played Celtic 👍🏻

— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) December 13, 2023

In distinction to Hartson, Rob MacLean sounded like he had lost out to Rory Hamilton in a draw for a area on the TNT Sport Christmas jolly to Seville.

Other than the tired old Champions League facts that Celtic fans are very familiar with MacLean had nothing to add to last night’s viewing.

While the snipers tip away Hartson has a very full diary as his views are sought on European matches, the EPL and Wales worldwide matches. He also speaks Welsh.

⏱️ 𝟵𝟬+𝟭

Celtic have their first #UCL win at home in over ten years 🙌 pic.twitter.com/D0CUpDH5Mk

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 13, 2023