67 Hail Hail take a look at three things fans should expect from Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ Friday press conference ahead of Dundee on Sunday.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesForm and performances scrutinised
There’s no doubt Rodgers will be pressed on Celtic’s displays and overall form of late, because it hasn’t been up to the required standards.
The Hoops have only scored three goals across the last four games and two goals were conceded against both Braga and Motherwell.
Rodgers will have been encouraged by the comeback victory against the Steelmen, but the performance was another worry.
The manager will have to explain to supporters that he is confident things can pick up, starting in Dundee on Sunday.
Update on injuries
Rodgers will also be asked to give a squad fitness update, with particular intrigue surrounding Alistair Johnston.
The Canadian returned to training at Lennoxtown this week, so Rodgers will clarify if the right-back is able to make the bench at Dens Park.
There’s also been some conflicting reports this week regarding Auston Trusty and a re-aggravation of his recent foot injury.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
The Celtic Way claim the American is fit and ready for Dundee, and while he’s unlikely to play any part, Rodgers should confirm his fitness level on Friday.
And of course, Daizen Maeda missed Japan’s two games across the international break. Will Rodgers provide some good or bad news on that front?
Russell Martin’s Rangers sacking
Finally, it’s become tradition now that Rangers sack their managers around September/October time after a horrendous start to the season.
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And with that, the Celtic manager is usually quizzed on his feelings around it. So Rodgers will likely be asked about Russell Martin’s departure.
He may even be asked on his former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s decision to pull out of talks to become the Ibrox club’s boss for a second time.