It’s fair to say the January transfer window for Celtic was an absolute bust. Now Nicholas Kuhn and Adam Idah may well come in and do a good job, but what can’t be denied is that the club didn’t get the players in that were clearly needed.
A left-back was a priority position as was the goalkeeper. And with the injuries to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate, it seems that the need to give the first-team squad an injection of talent is never more apparent.
And as Brendan Rodgers faced the media for the first time since the window closed, the Celtic manager did his best to reassure the fans that he is on their side with their concerns over recruitment.
Brendan Rodgers understands Celtic supporters’ transfer angst
The Celtic manager was crystal clear in his message to the supporters. Rodgers was made aware of how the fans were feeling and whilst the Hoops gaffer shares their feelings on the club’s lack of investment in proven quality, he did issue a warning.
Rodgers said, “I would go with supporters thinking we could maybe be a little bit braver in terms of bringing in another level of player but that’s up to me to try and fix over the course of my time here.
“But you look at the strategy here and you have to be careful because in some ways it has worked. You bring in players for a minimal fee and then they go out and make the club a lot of money.
“What I want to hopefully balance in my time here is that we can still do that, because it is an important part of the modern game, but we also want to be brave enough to hang our hat on a ready-made player.
“So I totally understand the support but likewise that player has to be available.” You can watch the full press conference below:
Celtic fans vent their anger at transfer shambles
Many Celtic fans commented on Rodgers’ press conference and the message from them all is crystal clear, the board are at fault for the transfer shambles.
The recruitment team had plenty of time to try and get the players Rodgers wanted and whilst I appreciate the January window can be difficult, Celtic’s business in 2022 proved that if you look in the right places, the right players can be found.
However, the Celtic fans were mixed in Rodgers’ comments however the message overall was unequivocal. Commenting on the link of the Celtic FC YouTube, these fans let their feelings be known.
One fan posted, “It must be difficult for him trying to put a positive spin on the board not backing him financially.” whilst one wasn’t buying what the manager was saying, “Brendan bootlicking the board, well there ye go.“
Another fan was delighted that Rodgers was being upfront about the window, “Good job Brendan sensible no-nonsense answers. HH” and another was, I think, being a little sarcastic with this comment, “Nobody wanted our money. Lawwell must be back right enough.” At least with the first part.
️And whilst the overall message was ‘SACK THE BOARD‘ this fan was unconvinced that the boardroom suits did all they could to get the players Rodgers wanted, “There you have it BR makes it quite clear the issue is above him and the scouting team… disgrace.”
And the message for the rest of the season? This fan was seriously concerned, “Personally I feel the board are making a fool of Rodgers and the support. Surely they trust his judgment by now?
“Very worried for the rest of the season.”
Not the best of windows but it is what it is as they say. Hopefully it gets better in the future. But for now, we all need to get fully behind the manager, the players and get this title won. The board opened the door to our friends across the city. Brendan and the players now have to find a way of slamming it shut in their faces.