Brendan Rodgers is a manager who has built a reputation of high standing in British football. To be one of the top managers, there is a train of thought that you have to be ruthless. Part of this approach is avoiding favouritism with certain players based on past glories, and Rodgers is no stranger to deploying a ‘take no prisoners’ hardline.
We have seen examples of this everywhere he has gone in his career, whether that be Swansea City, Liverpool or during his first stint at Parkhead. Already, glimpses of his ruthlessness have been on show in the early stages of his second Celtic tenure.
Taking over from Ange Postecoglou back in June, Brendan Rodgers had to make big decisions to stamp his authority on this Celtic team in the early stages of his second stint, and in the last week there has been more than one example of that.
The team selection for flag day last Saturday raised a lot of eyebrows and a lot of questions amongst the Celtic support and he followed this up with his quotes ahead of Sunday’s trip to Pittodrie by saying to The Herald that “it’s not in my contract to play any player.”
“I’m not really worried about what’s said or not, I’ll play the team I see with the best energy, mentality and efficiency with how we want to work.”
Alexandro Bernabei
Alexandro Bernabei has had a hard time at Celtic so far, both on the field and off it. Lacklustre displays during his debut campaign had fans questioning his abilities and the transfer in general. An arrest for drunk driving early on last season had many putting the final nail in the coffin of the young Argentine’s Celtic career before it had properly started.
However, with Brendan Rodgers coming in to replace Ange Postecoglou, many saw this as a clean slate for the 22-year-old who was clearly struggling to adapt to the demands of being a full-back in the Australian’s system. A positive pre-season including two goals and an impressive display against Athletic Club had many thinking Bernabei’s second chance was coming very soon.
This led to many being surprised at Bernabei’s omission from the squad that lined up to face Ross County with there not even being a space on the bench for the former Lanus man.
It was revealed last night via the Daily Record that Bernabei had slept in and missed a team meeting ahead of Saturday’s game, leading to Rodgers laying down the law and bombing him out of the squad.
Keen eyes will be cast to the bench for the side that lines up to face Aberdeen, but shooting himself in the foot again when a second chance was handed to him will make getting a starting position in the team even harder to come by.
Reo Hatate
Further eyebrows were raised following the announcement of Saturday’s lineup as Reo Hatate dropped to the bench with David Turnbull taking up the Japanese international’s usual place.
Below-par pre-season performances from one of Celtic’s most consistent performers last season never sat well with Brendan Rodgers so the Irishman opted to go with Turnbull who had put himself into contention with some consistent displays.
Unlike Bernabei, Hatate hasn’t been bombed out as his quality is known. There will definitely be a part to play for the 25-year-old, especially in European competitions. Hatate has responded well in training and for those opportunities to come, he has to earn it.
Kolo Toure
For some, it may not have come as a surprise when Hatate was unceremoniously dropped because, if you cast your mind back to 2016, you will remember Rodgers’ response to poor displays from Kolo Toure.
The final straw was an error-strewn display against Borussia Monchengladbach, which resulted in Toure starting just two more games for Celtic before retiring.
If Rodgers can ruthlessly drop an Arsenal Invincible and two-time Premier League winner, then no player at Celtic is safe if the performance levels drop.
JAMES MCKENZIE
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