Phillips seemed to have the perfect profile, a member of Jurgen Klopp’s impressive squad in need of matches but like many others from the EPL he has struggled with the different demands of playing for Celtic
With European football ending in a tame 2-0 defeat to Lazio, sitting in mid-table in Serie A Rodgers suddenly started talking about his transfer aspirations, when he took on the manager’s job he wanted four quality signings- before losing Jota, Carl Starfelt and Aaron Mooy.
Within a fortnight of Postecoglou leaving Rodgers was back at the club but it is hard to believe that he is in charge despite his recent claims over recruitment.
In the bigger picture he distanced himself from recruitment during the summer, putting his trust in the brilliant judgement of Mark Lawwell to deliver the players required to make progress.
Returning to Celtic in the summer surely things would be different, surely Rodgers had done his due diligence, especially with two Lawwell’s now in senior positions.
When Rodgers returned to Celtic in the summer Glen Driscoll was the only coach that he brought in, having had six months to assess the situation he’ll have a couple of names in mind that can add to his existing coaching team of John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan.
The second thing I wanted to see was if he could tactically participate in the game. That’s the big challenge for Mikey because in a one vs one duel, he’s outstanding. He’s very, very good. He can beat a man, but football’s more than that.
Liel and Daizen are both on the pitch now which is great news for us. Daizen is a little bit ahead of Liel but I am expecting them both to be available at some point this month.
It’s ambition. Some players just want to be too comfortable and just do enough, it’s not enough at this club. You have to have that mentality and intensity from that first whistle but the reaction was really good.
It’s not just a quick fix, either. Celtic are weaker than last season and have regressed. The squad’s going to take a lot of work to reach a level needed to make a serious impact in the competition.