Brendan Rodgers took a surprise approach behind the scenes after Celtic’s 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone yesterday at McDiarmid Park. After speaking to the team and the media following the game, Rodgers took time to walk around the pitch, in a classy moment speaking with the Saints’ groundsman.
However, interestingly, Rodgers was pictured taking a phone call after the game by the Scottish Sun, leading some to speculate whether it was personal or more of a reaction to the defeat, possibly discussing matters with any member of the Celtic hierarchy, from Michael Nicholson to Dermot Desmond.
Rodgers has formed a close relationship with those at the top of the club, particularly Dermot Desmond, even name-dropping the largest individual shareholder at Celtic in a press conference while revealing that the Hoops was looking to begin talks with Daizen Maeda over a new deal.
Desmond often takes a supportive approach, given Rodgers’ unbelievable success at Celtic over two spells, so it’s clear to see why.
However, Desmond and the Celtic hierarchy do face the uphill task of convincing Rodgers to sign a new deal beyond his current one, which ends at the end of next season, meaning the Celtic boss is quickly approaching the dreaded last 12 months of his contract.
With the summer transfer window also fast approaching, it is now reaching the stage where all the planning should be in place for outgoing and incoming players, particularly outgoings.
However, if recent years are anything to go by, bringing players in quickly is something that the club has struggled with in recent years. That is the challenge Rodgers will face—getting quality players in before the beginning of next season. Add in the fact that Champions League qualifiers are in August, and it needs to be done quickly and effectively.
