Brendan Rodgers didn’t dodge the question when CeltsAreHere asked him straight: has Celtic’s summer transfer business matched the “world-class” standard chief executive Michael Nicholson spoke about?
Rodgers was unveiled as manager in June 2023, with Nicholson sitting beside him declaring that Celtic wanted to be “world-class in everything we do.” Two years later, that line still lingers, especially during transfer windows that haven’t quite hit the mark.
With a Champions League play-off approaching and key positions still needing filled, Rodgers was asked if the club has lived up to that promise.
His answer was honest and to the point. There was no sugar-coating and no attempt to deflect. Rodgers explained where things currently stand and made it clear more work is needed. The overall message was that Celtic are trying but they’ve not got there yet.
It was a telling moment. Rodgers’ response cut through the boardroom talk and echoed what many supporters have been thinking. With the clock ticking in the window, the manager made it clear he’s still waiting for more quality and that improvements are still needed.
Asked by CeltsAreHere ‘If we take your mind back two years, you sat next to Michael Nicholson. He asked for Celtic to be a world-class club in everything they do.
Do you think Celtic are a world-class club in their transfer business so far this summer?’
He said: “Listen, I don’t know about world-class. We just want to make sure we’re in the best possible place we can be. I honestly can’t sit here and give you every answer to every question.
“I’ll do my very best. What I want to do is make the team the very best we can be. I’m hoping that by the end of the window, we’ll be there.
“As a football manager and coach, of course I’d want it now. Because I’m going into games that mean everything for this club going forward. But if we don’t have it in the building now, then we have to work with what’s here.
“So yes, operationally and strategically, I want us to be the very best we can be. And I say that because, in footballing terms, there’s been a bit of uncertainty regarding some players.”
Rodgers’ words will hit home with supporters who’ve seen this all before, going into big qualifiers without the right signings in place. He wasn’t angry in his response, but his message was clear. He’s not saying the club has done enough this summer. He’s saying things need to get better, and fast.
His mention of player uncertainty points to a bigger issue. Whether it’s players possibly leaving, injuries, or contract situations, Rodgers is trying to plan for a key part of the season while dealing with things that are still up in the air.
It’s another example that big statements don’t mean much without action. The chief executive set the standard back in 2023, but two years later, Rodgers’ comments show the club still hasn’t reached that level when it comes to signings.
Attention now turns to the final weeks of the window. Rodgers has made his position clear. Now it’s down to the people in charge to back up their own words.
