I’m not aware of that. I speak regularly with Liel. It’s sadly a situation which doesn’t put him in the right frame of mind to play.
So I found (the criticism) saddening more than anything, because, one, I am not that type of person, I could never be that as it’s not how I am built, and two, saddened for society because people are just looking for some way to bring you down if they can…
I’m actually pleased as well too that he got a bit prickly. I’ve done interviews that I’ve regretted. And I have got to say I was really pleased that he got a bit prickly. I would have done the same thing.
If the team can turn in a commanding 90 minutes that sees them scoring three goals or more then the performance at Fir Park might be the turning point that Rodgers has been looking for.
Idah for Kyogo Furuhashi was the only half time change, in truth any one of half a dozen outfield players could have been replaced, fortunately the Norwich striker took just five minutes to influence the match, heading powerfully home from a well placed and powerful Greg Taylor cross.
With no reference, no backing or support for Rodgers the comment about ‘less than anticipated activity’ is left hanging in the air.
But Brendan Rodgers has to take responsibility. I can’t think of one player this season at Celtic who he has improved and that’s on the manager.
What I can control is the mindset of the team, the attitude of the team and knowing that over this next period of games, we will be really focused and really aggressive and attack the game. What everyone else says or writes, I couldn’t care less.
His brightness, his cleverness, his technique his physicality in terms of his running and into the right areas. He’s back training, and he’ll be available for next weekend.
When you’ve won consistently over a number of years, people will look to jump on you and bring you down –and bring me down. I am here to win. For sure we will have our day, and have many days going forward.