Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has expressed his reservations about manager Brendan Rodgers’ harsh criticism of his players during half-time in their recent game against St Johnstone.
Despite the team’s eventual 3-1 comeback victory and a subsequent 4-1 win over Hibernian, Grant believes Rodgers’ questioning of the players’ commitment was unjustified.
Speaking on Go Radio, Grant acknowledged that while Celtic’s attacking play might have been lacking, he didn’t see an issue with the players’ attitude or commitment.
“Do you know something? I was surprised he said that because I didn’t think they were that bad. I’ll tell you what they were bad at – when they got into the final third their final ball was really poor.”
Brendan Rodgers admitted he was the angriest he’s ever been as a coach at halftime during the St Johnstone encounter.
Despite his criticism of Rodgers’ approach, Grant did commend the manager for the impact of the substitutions made during the game.
“He took Yang off and I wasn’t surprised because he got into good areas. They made the pitch too narrow, he kept coming in too far. And then when he got by someone, his cross was never getting in the box.
“When he made the substitutions, it’s great credit to the manager that all the subs had an impact on the game and that’s what you’re looking for as a manager.
“I thought they started the game well. They played at a tempo, they moved the ball quickly enough. But when they got into the final third, their decision-making was really poor.
“I don’t think he could have questioned their attitude, I must admit.”
Whether Grant agrees with it or not, it doesn’t really matter. Whatever Brendan said in the dressing room worked on Sunday, and it inspired a good performance and result against Hibs on Wednesday.
