Chris Sutton welcomes Brendan’s new look. Celtic manager – No Bull Brendan

The Celtic manager has been vocal in recent weeks about his expectations for the January transfer window and provided insight into what transpired during the summer.

Chris Sutton has also noticed it, referring to Brendan as “No Bull.” The Hoops boss turned nasty on his own squad last Sunday, with the passive, safety-first side of the first 45 minutes transformed into a sharper, meaner unit that notched some outstanding goals to shake off the lethargy of recent displays.

Rodgers has always appeared unwaveringly positive and supportive of his players during his two stints as Celtic manager, but that has changed in recent weeks.

Players have been criticised, and despite being part of a 4-1 win over Hibs on Wednesday night, Mikey Johnston received no gentle encouragement.

Chris Sutton was on duty for Sky Sports that night at Tynecastle, but in the Daily Record, he highlighted the Celtic manager’s new approach, with Johnston being publicly chastised:

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 in a row as the festive season gets underway.

In other news, Derek McInnes warns Celtic and Rangers that the rest of the teams ‘feel’ they can hurt them as he targets a second Kilmarnock upset.