Brendan Rodgers has said clearly that the lack of new signings before Celtic’s Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty wasn’t his call.
Rodgers was open about the issue, saying both he and his staff have known for a while that the squad needs added quality. With supporters growing louder in their complaints, he accepted that help is needed, and it hasn’t been delivered.
Not bringing in players ahead of such an important match has left Celtic thin, and Rodgers spoke about how tough it is to deal with expectations when the squad is so light. His words showed some frustration, but also a sense that he’s having to make the best of a bad situation.
Now heading into a difficult second leg in Kazakhstan, Rodgers has to go with what he has. His comments make it clear he’s bracing for a battle, with no promises that new signings will arrive in time.
He said: (BBC Sport), “We need to improve the squad.
“There’s been clarity around that for a long time. Supporters see that. Hopefully between now and the end of the season, the club will get that and that will support us.
“It’s not my decision in the end. I can prepare the players that are here. We are all clear on where we need to improve, and for whatever reason we haven’t been able to do that.
“We’re in this position, we have to accept that and not dwell on it, and try and come through it.
“There’s only so many ways that I can dress up that we don’t have the players here.
“It was pretty clear. You don’t need to look into the future too far. You know these games are tough and you want to have players in as quick as you can to tackle these situations. It is what it is. I have to accept where it’s at.”
Rodgers’ comments after the first-leg draw have done little to ease the growing frustration among the support, and if anything, have only turned up the heat on the Celtic board to act swiftly in the final stretch of the transfer window.
By clearly stating that the failure to strengthen the squad wasn’t his decision, the Irishman has drawn a firm line between his responsibilities and the actions of those running the club behind the scenes.
It’s a statement that exposes a deeper issue at play, the gap between what the coaching staff knows is needed on the pitch and what’s actually being delivered from upstairs. Rodgers didn’t point fingers at individuals, but his tone left no doubt.
This wasn’t a surprise. The warning signs had been visible for some time. The club knew what was coming, a crucial Champions League qualifier that demanded more than what the current group could offer, and still, the necessary moves weren’t made.
In the short term, all focus turns to the return leg in Kazakhstan, where the players who remain must find a way to get the job done under real pressure. Rodgers will do all he can with the group available, but it’s a big ask, especially given the lack of fresh legs and the long trip ahead.
Looking at the bigger picture, the issue goes beyond this tie. Celtic’s aims in Europe can’t be built on last-minute planning and crossed fingers. Without proper backing and a joined-up approach between manager and board, the same issues will continue to appear and progress on the pitch will remain limited.
