Rodgers’ Scathing Comments: Two Celtic Players Under Fire

Brendan Rodgers is on a mission to improve and elevate the mentality at all levels of Celtic Football Club. Returning to Celtic last year, Rodgers is not content with merely achieving domestic success; his ambition is to push the club forward to compete in Europe once again.

Achieving this goal requires a squad and an entire club with an incredibly strong and determined mentality. Rodgers has made it clear that anyone who doesn’t align with this mentality will not be allowed to be a passenger under his watch.

The Celtic manager has this week emphasised that the academy must work in service of the first team, but he doesn’t promote players solely because they are available. Talent can only take a player so far; their application and work ethic are what ultimately matter.

When he was asked about two specific players, Odin Holm and Bosun Lawal, the Irishman did not hold back on what is likely to keep both players out of the team this season.

“They need to be a much higher level. If you’re going to play for Celtic, you have to be. Odin needs to do more. There’s something there, though, absolutely.” He told RecordSport.

“And that’s why we persevere, and that’s why we stay with it, because he has talent, like Bosun Lawal, and that’s why we want to give them the opportunity, so I can see them in pre-season. But, it’s just running more. You have to run. Without the ball, you’ve got to run, you’ve got to be bright, you’ve got to be in good positions to press the Game, then to get the ball and take the ball.

“You see Francis Turley when he comes into the Game the other night. It’s a kid I’ve only seen for a couple of days, and if he can progress and get his body right, then he’ll be a proper player. It’s a kid that moves well.

“You see how he moves, how he takes the ball, makes runs, he’s bright, he gets in the box, gets a finish. He just needs to get more power and energy, but that’s football, that’s movement, that’s taking the ball, that’s being clever.

“So I think the two boys (Holm and Lawal) that you mentioned have talent. But I want more. A lot more. Talent not just enough. You can play in teams, but not in our team.”

Captain Callum McGregor exemplifies a player Rodgers trusts implicitly. McGregor’s commitment is evident as he gives his all in every Game, tirelessly working to secure victories. Off the ball, he organises the midfield and relentlessly chases down opportunities. There is no downtime for McGregor; he never lets others pick up his slack, continually pushing himself and his teaMMAtes to higher standards.

For players aspiring to make the first team, it can be disheartening to hear they are not working hard enough. They face a choice: either sulk and do nothing to improve, or put their heads down and work harder and harder. Rodgers is clear that while such players might fit into other teams across the country, they won’t make it into his team if their work rate isn’t up to par.

Brendan’s vision for Celtic is of relentless effort, high standards, and a collective mentality geared towards success at the highest possible level. With leaders like McGregor setting the example, the pathway to achieving this vision is clear, but it demands unwavering dedication from every player and staff member at the club.

The bhoys are heading stateside on Tuesday to take part in a three Game series against DC United, Man City and Chelsea.