Brendan Rodgers has moved to clarify remarks that stirred concern among Celtic supporters, after referring to Hayato Inamura as a ‘club signing’, a phrase that led some to believe the manager had little involvement in the deal.
Rodgers’ original phrasing sparked unease among fans who felt it implied a disconnect between the coaching staff and recruitment department. But speaking before Celtic face Ajax on Thursday, the Celtic boss made clear that all arrivals fall under his scrutiny, regardless of who first identifies them.
“That’s what I need to assess, those guys coming in,” he told SunSport.
“But I also need to win now, and we need to get those players in.
“Either way, I will be responsible for that.
“Club signings, with the greatest respect, I don’t care where they come from.
“I just need good players in the building who can help us win today, tomorrow and the next week.
“I’ve always developed players in my career, so I respect that side of it, but also the need for the present.”
Inamura has impressed during pre-season and may yet force his way into Rodgers’ plans despite initially being expected to head out on loan. The left-back was only playing his first senior minutes last year, but the early signs suggest he could play a part at Celtic sooner than expected.
He’s come in and slotted at left-back during pre-season and has looked like a really good addition. It’s his wide range of passing that’s stood out most.
Rodgers is still keen to add to his squad. It’s a bit thin and doesn’t match the quality of last season’s, especially with Nicolas Kuhn’s departure to Como.
