The manager has taken a pragmatic approach to growing his first-team roster, even if he is aware that the champions have money in the bank—a sum of £70 million has been claimed.
The sole player signed thus far is German winger Nicolas Kuhn, who joined Rapid Vienna of Austria for a relatively low £3 million.
As Thursday’s 11.30 p.m. deadline approaches, supporters of the Hoops are expected to call for some big-name, headline-grabbing additions to help lead the team to its twelfth title in 13 years, with a Scottish Cup also on the table.
Untrue rumors have surfaced claiming that the manager presented a roster of excellent players, but the board adamantly declined to support his decisions in the market by providing actual currency to seal the agreements.
A portion of the team’s supporters are worried about the seeming circumstances, but Rodgers quickly allays their concerns.
The Irishman, who turns 51 today, stated: “It’s fair for supporters to inquire about that. They will be aware that the money exists if you advertise as a club and have the money in the bank.
Nevertheless, we’re all the same in that we want what’s best for Celtic. We recognize there needs to be a balance between young, developing players and ready-made players, but we still want great players in. That’s where we agree a great deal.
Yes, I have excellent communication skills with them, especially when it comes to Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay. We are in complete agreement, regardless of how much people want to promote this; we communicate and meet on a regular basis.
“I am aware of the steps we must take to strengthen the group and the squad. It would be amazing if I could just click my fingers to accomplish it, but that’s not how football operates.
Thus, although it requires some time, our relationship is really solid. I will always insist that we have the greatest players available, and I will always go above and beyond to achieve that goal.
However, I will always be respectful of the club’s current state, and returning here was one of the reasons for that. It doesn’t matter to me how many players there are or the numbers. It all comes down to having a competitive squad that allows you to replace a subpar player with a superior one.
“The guys on the board manage the club’s money and operations with great skill. Obtaining the best players available is what I will always demand.
“And I don’t see the point in bringing them in if there are ones who aren’t better than we already have.”
In an interview with the Daily Record, Rodgers said, “It’s very difficult.” That won’t happen, even though the money is there. You are paying a £20 million player’s salary if you are bringing in a £20 million player.
Sadly, that doesn’t work here. That is not where we are.
The $6–7 million range is a reasonable estimate. We may have achieved that. This is not a novel concept. You go back to the time they paid between £6 and £7 million to sign Carter-Vickers or Jota. There is proof that they actually do that. However, £20 million?
“All I’m looking at are quality players.” To me, the money thing is unimportant. You’ll notice a few duds. All I consider is the player level I am able to reach. I don’t always say, “Give me a player who costs £7 million.”
“He might not be as excellent as a guy who can develop and costs £2 million.
Therefore, in my opinion, what matters is the caliber of player who will join and elevate us rather than merely cover for someone else. They must genuinely contend.
The head coach of the Hoops has postponed his birthday festivities in order to focus on getting his side ready for tomorrow’s visit from Ross County, where they now lead their closest rivals by five points with a game remaining.
By the time play against the Dingwall club begins, the Hoops will be fully aware of what awaits them as Philippe Clement’s Ibrox team takes on St Mirren in Paisley earlier in the day at 12.30pm.
A spot in the redesigned 36-team Champions League, where UEFA projects a 33 percent increase in TV money to be divided among the participating clubs, is the incentive for finishing a strong Premiership campaign.
Although the prize money has not yet been confirmed, if Celtic win their 54th championship, excess of £40 million will end up in the Parkhead coffers.
Rodgers continued, “I understand the need for progression and I understand 100% of what the team needs to improve,” demonstrating his awareness of the lift it would provide the team. It always needs to be the correct person, and I don’t want to rush to bring someone in.
Additionally, I want to give new players a chance to come through here because I want to stay here for a while—as long as I’m successful, of course.
Everybody speaks about signings, and my response is usually the same: you may have someone in your academy, but you also need to give them room to grow and thrive.
Thus, while I do hope and am optimistic that we can enlarge the group, I also want to continue to nurture the talents that are already present.
“Having faith and trust in the players we have always played a huge part in my mindset. There is always a clamor for new players in the modern game, and it looks fantastic when the yellow bar on the television announces that Celtic has signed a new player.
But if he isn’t good or doesn’t help you, that wears off quickly. Making the most of what we have is a major component of what I do.
“I am aware of what the squad needs to do. I am fully aware of the type of player that will be required to support us in the future. And the club will undoubtedly exert all of its resources to assist us in that regard if they are available.
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