In the aftermath of a transfer window that has left the Celtic fanbase frustrated, manager Brendan Rodgers has come out in defence of the club’s majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond. Despite widespread concern among supporters that a lack of significant investment during January could jeopardise Celtic’s title aspirations, Rodgers’ recent comments suggest a complex balance between ambition and pragmatism.
Rodgers, known for his thoughtful approach to squad development, emphasised the importance of a dual strategy in the transfer market. “It’s just balance,” he told RecordSport, underscoring the need for both developing talents and immediate impact players. “Whenever you want to build a squad and when you want to progress, for me, it’s about bringing in players that can develop and improve. But also bringing in players that can be ready-made.”
The crux of Rodgers’ philosophy lies in the willingness to spend more for quality, a sentiment that resonates with the desires of many within the Celtic community. “That means you might have to spend a bit more money. It’s something I will always look to deliver here,” Rodgers explained. He suggests a more selective approach could be beneficial, hinting at the acquisition of fewer, but higher-calibre players to enhance the squad’s competitive edge.
Despite the frustrations voiced by fans over the recent transfer window, Rodgers was quick to commend the club’s leadership and operational model. “The club have had great success here over many years. The club is run so well. The guys on the board, Dermot and all the rest of the boys. All the people. Really clever people and intelligent people,” Rodgers remarked, deflecting any criticism away from Desmond and the board.
His defence of Dermot Desmond and the Celtic board points to a broader vision for the club, one that balances fiscal responsibility with the ambition to elevate the team’s status both domestically and in European competitions. “It’s no slight on them. What we want to do as a football club is able to progress, and for that progression, you want to be spending money on getting that next level of player in,” Rodgers continued.
Rodgers’ advocacy for strategic investment reflects a desire to push Celtic to new heights, a sentiment likely shared by many supporters. However, his comments also underline a pragmatic approach to squad development, recognising the financial complexities and strategic considerations involved in the transfer market.
Fans want to see the club be the absolute best it can be and while nobody wants to see Celtic out in a perilous financial situation, the current self imposed ceiling is hurting our ambitions
