Brendan Rodgers was addressing the Celtic supporters when he was asked about transfers over in the United States.
But the message he delivered was for the Parkhead board. Rodgers can be very cute with his communication at times and sometimes it leaves room to read between the lines.
By name-checking chief executive Michael Nicolson and chief finance officer Chris McKay when asked for the state of play by the Scottish newspaper journalists in America, it’s hard not to think there was another message being delivered. Rodgers basically said he was doing his part with the squad and it was now over to them to deliver the new signings. I’m not sure if it’s applying a bit of pressure, but it’s definitely a sense of, ‘right, it’s over to you guys’. They do need to get to work. Celtic have looked sharp in pre-season but we all know they are still short in vital areas of the team.
They only have one striker on the books right now in Kyogo and Rodgers also said he wants two more. We know Adam Idah is the main one he wants back but another one is required and you’d think it would be a young prospect or even a loan player. You also look at left back, centre half, the midfield and perhaps also out wide.
Nicolas Kuhn has looked a much more encouraging prospect in pre-season after failing to do it consistently last term. He would outstanding against Man City, even if he was up against a young full back who struggled with Pep Guardiola’s system.
Two goals and a superb assist for Kyogo is not to be sniffed at though and he could play a bigger part this year. Who knows what will happen with Yang and Mikey Johnston but Celtic could do with reinforcements all over the pitch. They’ve made good moves in the goalkeeper department with Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo coming in. Both got some game time in the US and did well. Even in just 45 minutes against Manchester City, you could see Schmeichel is still top class with two superb saves to keep out Erling Haaland.
Sinasalo made a couple of his own in the second period, so that is not position they need to worry about any time soon. It’s a different story in other areas. Listen, I’ve mentioned on these pages about forgetting about what’s happening at Rangers and concentrating on the job at Parkhead.
That is even more important right now with the chaos going on across the city. Every day there’s a different drama coming out of Ibrox – or maybe that should be Hampden. They’ve had the carry on with the stadium and the lack of quality signings. There is a major clear out underway it appears with proven performers such as Connor Goodson expected to leave, with even James Tavernier tipped to go as well.
That’s all very well and good, but they have been over the course and will need replaced. Then there is the Todd Cantwell situation. It was extraordinary to see Philippe Clement finish his press conference the other night, only to come back in and reveal Cantwell has submitted a transfer request.
I can’t say I’m surprised. I heard back in January he was looking for a way out and it doesn’t seem like he’s got the stomach or the temperament for the Glasgow goldfish bowl. His manager wasn’t having him either, but it’s strange one. Normally when players talk about wanting a new challenge it’s because they have achieved so much as a club.
Cantwell hasn’t achieve much at Rangers and what will be be remembered for? His shushburgers, social media posts and depriving Reo Hatate of a drink? He talked about a rivalry with Callum McGregor – but it ended up a non contest.
It’s not great and it’s a chance missed by Cantwell. I’ve always said there is a talent there and he had a tremendous platform at Rangers. He won over the fans early on by professing his undying love and kissing the badge. But you need to produce it consistently on the pitch. It will be interesting to see if he gets his move and even more so if he doesn’t and is called on top play a prominent role at the club this season.
