Brendan Rodgers has reassured his Celtic squad that he’s not about to quit the club.
The last seven days have been the most traumatic since the Irishman took over from Ronny Deila with the first signs that the manager and directors aren’t in agreement.
Since clinching the double treble in May no new faces have been added to the Celtic squad although Odsonne Edouard has been signed on a permanent deal.
For various reasons Celtic are without three central defenders for tonight’s vital match against AEK Athens forcing Rodgers to go with the untried combination of Jozo Simunovic and Jack Hendry.
Rodgers has voiced concerns about the failure to add quality to the squad but has full confidence in the players that will line up in the Greek capital tonight.
“I spoke to the players just to stabilise them a little bit,” the Celtic boss told The Sun. “I think that despite the noise it’s important the players understand the real story.
“There was never once that I said that I was quitting Celtic and there was never once that I said that I’d given an ultimatum to the board.
“How it gets twisted and wrapped up to make a headline, that’s obviously up to some of you guys but it was never once said.
“What I said was we wanted the squad to be stronger so collectively, in terms of spirit, we’re fine. It’s just something that happens at this stage of the season of course. Like I say, we know we want to strengthen the squad.
“The bar we have set over the past few years — we want to continue that improvement.
“Listen, there’s no effect really. It’s always a difficult period of the season — juggling your league campaign along with your Champions League qualification.”
Asked about the detail of what he said with his players he added: “It’s private. I don’t need to go on any more about it.
“Stability is always important especially for football players. Every now and again, as a coach and a manager you do it.
“I never normally bother with headlines because it’s noise that can be created for any number of reasons but it’s always important to stabilise the emotions of players.
“I’ve done that a number of times and, like I say, what is said at Celtic will always stay within. It’s nothing major.
“Just a stabilising effect that ensures we continue on the same direction.”
Moussa Dembele will be on the bench tonight against AEK with Odsonne Edouard in the starting XI despite sitting out training last night.
