Brendan Rodgers has offered a revealing look at how Celtic approach the transfer market, speaking after his side’s 5-1 defeat to Ajax in a pre-season friendly in Como.

The result may have stung, but the Irishman used the opportunity to explain the structure behind the club’s player recruitment.

With the new season fast approaching, attention has turned sharply to who Celtic might bring in. Rodgers was clear about the way decisions are made and what his role is in shaping the squad. The emphasis, he says, is always on quality and suitability, rather than just names.

Rodgers’ comments came at a time when some supporters are questioning the pace and ambition of the club’s transfer activity. While Rodgers didn’t single out individuals or targets, he was transparent about the process and the need to raise the level.

It’s a system built on collaboration, with scouting and analysis teams working behind the scenes before any potential signing reaches the manager’s desk.

He said: (TCW), “How it mostly works at most clubs, is that you have a recruitment and analytical team that scour your markets to find the players that are suitable within your price range and really importantly, have quality.

“They then get presented to you and then it’s whether that list, whether the players I think are right for us. If they’re not, then we’ve got to keep looking. If they are, then we’ve got to try and see if we can get the deal to get them in. And that’s obviously the club who will then do that.

“But listen, Celtic, there are no secrets in it. There are no secrets. They will look to get the best deal for the club and get the best players in possible.

“My job is to coach and demand we get the highest level player we can, if we want to keep developing.”

Rodgers made it clear where his responsibilities end. He sets the standards and pushes the team, but it’s up to the club to get the right players in.

Celtic haven’t quite clicked in transfer recruitment, and it’s obvious the squad still needs work.

The Irishman sounded like a man who knows what’s needed and won’t lower the bar.

Now the focus shifts to those in charge of recruitment. They need to bring in players who can step in and make a difference right away. With Europe and the league title at stake, there’s no room for hesitation.