Celtic are now into crunch time regarding the Scottish Premiership title race following a rollercoaster season under Brendan Rodgers.
From being eight points clear of Rangers to five points behind and now three in front, the Irishman has remained calm throughout, urging his side to write their own story amid external pressure to perform on a weekly basis.
As it stands, Celtic have won 25 matches, drawn six and lost three in the Scottish Premiership, signifying the maximum points total Rodgers’ side can hit stands at 93, six fewer than Ange Postecoglou’s second campaign in charge and level with his first.
Despite some of the inherent negativity that has fallen his way this term, the Bhoys aren’t too far off their usual high-achieving standards this term despite the obvious transitional problems that have sometimes arisen regarding a change in style of play between both managers.
Either way, Rodgers making sure we get over the line in the fight with Rangers is the only outcome supporters will be interested in right now before weighing up the pros and cons of our progress under his stewardship in the summer.
Celtic also have the small matter of a Scottish Cup final to compete against our city rivals next month, which is likely to influence popular opinion on the former Liverpool manager within Scottish football circles.
John Hartson baffled by Brendan Rodgers snub for PFA award
Earlier this week, Celtic fans will be aware that Dundee’s Tony Docherty, Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes, and Falkirk’s John McGlynn have been nominated for the PFA Scotland Manager Of The Year award [STV News].
Put forward by the The Managers and Coaches Association of Scotland, discussion has since ensued regarding who else could’ve been in the conversation, though all three are worthy candidates.
Nevertheless, former Celtic striker John Hartson finds it ‘bizarre’ that Rodgers isn’t in the running for the accolade, claiming that if he leads his old side to the title, it will be a ‘huge achievement’ amid the upheaval he has had to deal with at Parkhead.
Hartson stated [The Daily Record]: “I am surprised by that. OK, it’s not been a scintillating season like he’s had before, like the season where they were completely unbeaten.
“And I know they can’t win the Treble. But Celtic lost a few players in the summer and I don’t think the recruitment was great in January. But if he wins the league in his first season back I think that’s a huge achievement.
“If you think of the job Philippe Clement has done, they have lost one game in 19 and been on a terrific run. The fact is they have dropped five points in two games recently against Ross County and Dundee.
“It has been that type of season, nobody has really owned it. I am a little bit surprised that he is not in the running. I think it is a bit bizarre.”
Brendan Rodgers will only have one priority at Celtic
Of course, there must be something gratifying about being recognised for your personal achievements at a club; nevertheless, winning major honours is a feeling that would make the former pale in comparison.
Rodgers has a rich history of winning silverware at Celtic, and his only priority will be claiming the remaining two trophies up for grabs in Scotland this campaign.
Of course, turning his aspirations into reality is contingent on hard work and delivering where it matters, starting with claiming three points against Heart of Midlothian on Saturday.
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