In recent weeks, Brendan Rodgers has made the decision to reintroduce Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki into the team, starting with the high-pressure Glasgow Derby before the international break. The decision has sparked plenty of interest among fans, and Rodgers has opened up about why he felt it was the right time for Nawrocki to return to the starting XI.
A Tactical Choice: Left-Footed Centre-Back
Rodgers explained that, when possible, he prefers having a left-footed centre-back on the left side of defence. “That allows you to get through the pitch quicker and have more speed playing forward,” he told BBC Sportsound. However, with Liam Scales unavailable and Auston Trusty still not quite ready to feature regularly, Rodgers felt no hesitation in selecting Nawrocki.
Competition for Places
While Rodgers is always clear about his desire to select the best 11 players, he acknowledged the strong competition for places in the Celtic defence this season. “For a lot of our season, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales have been outstanding,” Rodgers said. This trio has, for the most part, formed the backbone of Celtic’s defence, making it difficult for Nawrocki to break into the starting XI.
Praise for Nawrocki’s Professionalism
Despite the competition, Rodgers had nothing but praise for Nawrocki’s attitude. “What you’ve got to give him huge credit for is every single day in training his mentality to work, his endeavour, the responsibility he’s taken to work and be the best he can be,” Rodgers remarked. It’s clear that Nawrocki’s commitment to improving and staying ready for an opportunity has been a key factor in his return to the team.
A Strong Performance Against Rangers
Nawrocki’s display in the Glasgow Derby was especially impressive. Coming into a high-pressure game, he put in a solid performance that highlighted his professionalism and ability to step up when needed. Rodgers added, “If the opportunity comes and he has to come into a game like the Rangers game and perform like he did, that’s a real testament to his professionalism and his mentality.”
Looking Ahead
With a few solid performances under his belt, Rodgers is confident in Nawrocki’s ability to continue playing a role in the team moving forward. “He’s done really well, he’s had a couple of weeks, and then we will see,” said the Irishman. As Celtic prepare for the business end of the season, Nawrocki’s professionalism and readiness could prove to be an asset as the Hoops pushes for a domestic treble.
