Brendan Rodgers has played down concerns over Celtic’s readiness for the Champions League play-off round, insisting his focus is on maximising the players already at his disposal.
With the UEFA squad registration deadline approaching, Rodgers was asked if he felt his side would be equipped should no further signings arrive before the cut-off.
“Whether it is or not is irrelevant,” he replied during Friday’s press conference on Celtic TV. “I have to deal with the players that are here. They’re talented and gifted, and we’ll squeeze everything out of them we possibly can. There’s no good in me saying whether we’re prepared or unprepared. I’ll work with the players here and make them as ready as possible.”
Rodgers’ response comes amid a backdrop of mounting calls from supporters and pundits for reinforcements before Celtic’s European campaign gets underway. The manager has already admitted he “really doesn’t know” whether major business will be done before the play-off round, with the Hoops facing either Kairat or Slovan Bratislava for a place in the group stage.
Celtic could be facing a gruelling trip to Kazakhstan – a 7,000-mile round trip with a five-hour time difference. It will see three games in six days for Celtic, with a Glasgow Derby match at Ibrox to be played at the end of it.
Celtic need players in the door, and they needed them weeks ago. Having three senior players to cover two positions just isn’t good enough.
The current squad will be pushed to its limits as Celtic prepare for a crucial run of fixtures at home and abroad.
