There’s something different about Rodgers is the view of many Celtic fans.
Over the last few weeks the Celtic boss has spoken out a lot about his expectations for the January transfer window and given an insight into what went on in the summer.
Chris Sutton has noticed it as well- what he terms No Bull Brendan. Against St Johnstone last Sunday the hoops boss turned nasty on his own squad with the passive, safety first side of the first 45 minutes turned into a sharper, meaner unit that notched some outstanding goals to shake off the lethargy of recent displays.
Across his two stints managing Celtic Rodgers has always appeared unswervingly positive and supportive to players but even that has changed in recent weeks.
Criticism of players has been made public, despite being part of a 4-1 win over Hibs on Wednesday night there was no gentle encouragement for Mikey Johnston.
Chris Sutton was on duty for Sky Sports that night at Tynecastle but in the Daily Record he highlighted the new approach of the Celtic manager with Johnston getting called out in public:
There has been some refreshing honesty from Brendan Rodgers in recent weeks over important things like recruitment and performances.
This new-look no bull Brendan has been a breath of fresh air with no beating around the bush. He has pulled no punches with his players, telling the likes of Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke they need to do more in training to trouble his starting XI and admitting he booted some backsides in Perth last week.
You want to hear managers telling it how it is. But at the same time I’ve got to say I find the public digging out of Mikey Johnston a bit odd. Rodgers was critical of the winger after Wednesday’s 4-1 win against Hibs, saying he needed to do more on the pitch. It’s fair enough thinking it but actually saying it in public is another matter. That kind of thing can go either way.
It might give Johnston motivation – but it could also heap more pressure on a player who already seems to have a lot on his shoulders. It is a gamble because Celtic and Rodgers need Johnston right now They just don’t have enough options in the wide areas during this busy festive spell to not have him on the pitch.
Sutton will be part of the Sky Sports team at Kilmarnock tomorrow as Celtic look to make it three wins on the bounce getting into the packed festive fixture card.
