“It’s the competitive edge Brendan Rodgers has cultivated,” said Nicholas about Rodgers keeping the bench players alert. “He has gained control over who comes in and who goes out.
“For instance, Bernardo is starting instead of Engels, who cost £11 million, and Idah, valued at £9 or £10 million, raises questions about Kyogo’s future. Rodgers keeps rotating the squad, keeping everyone on their toes. The expectations at Celtic are high, as they are accustomed to domestic dominance.”
Maintaining that level of intensity among players on the bench is incredibly challenging, but he and his staff have done an excellent job. In the past, people like John Kennedy and others would often face criticism almost immediately, without fully understanding the work happening behind the scenes. Keeping those players motivated, even when they’re not starting, is no small feat. They all deserve a lot of credit for their efforts.
