NIR BITTON has revealed that Brendan Rodgers wasn’t keen on having him around the club when the manager arrived at Celtic.
Bitton admitted the club was in a ‘mess’ when Rodgers took over. The Northern Irish boss had a job on his hands. With The Rangers back in the division, Celtic was keen to continue their domination. In his first season in charge, the boss would go on to win a domestic treble, going invincible while doing so.
Interestingly, Rodgers didn’t make too many signings in his first season, with Dembele, Sinclair, De Vries and Kolo Toure the only notable arrivals in the summer window. Kris Ajer had signed a pre-contract, and Gamboa also joined the hoops.
“Let me tell you something no one knows. When Brendan Rodgers came to coach at Celtic, the club was in bad shape after losing the cup semi-final to Rangers, who were then playing in the Championship.
“My former agent told me that Rodgers didn’t want me and that the team was trying to get rid of me, and then an offer came from Espanyol. I’m a person with an ego. When they don’t give me a chance, I’m going to show everyone what I’m worth.
“After a week of preparation for next season, Rodgers came up to me and said: ‘You can play. It’s your time.’ I smiled at him, and then I get a message from my agent: ‘Say, you’re serious, what have you done? Now they won’t sell you.’ I don’t regret it, I stayed at a huge club.”
[Ynet]
It’s worth noting that Bitton did turn things around under Rodgers and became a useful player. Bitton played 39 games in Rodgers’ first season, a game more than he’s played under Ange. He also started three of Celtic’s Champions League group stage games in the 16/17 season.
His time at Celtic has come to a natural conclusion. The Israeli spent nine years at the club and is looking for a new challenge.
The midfielder has seemed to rule out a move to Isreal but is keen to continue contesting for trophies. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
